Born and raised in Chicago, Ryan began training at Sammy Dyer School of The Theatre under the direction of original Dyerette, Muriel Foster. She later received her more formal ballet training from The Ruth Page Center for the Arts under Victor Alexander and Dolores Long as well as under Russell Talbert at the Russell Talbert Dance Studio. Ryan continued her education at Butler University, graduating Cum Laude with a BA in Dance Pedagogy. At Butler, Ryan worked with David Ingram and Susan McGuire and performed in several full-length ballets, including soloist roles in not only The Nutcracker but also several contemporary works such as How Bitter the Fruit and Le Jeux Qui Sont Joués by Ramón Flowers. Recently, Ryan finished her 2nd season with Dayton Ballet’s Studio Company, where she performed as a “Spanish” demi-soloist in The Nutcracker, as well as many corps de ballet roles. Ryan still enjoys staying close to the Arts in her free time, attending galleries and watching films to add to her ever-growing DVD collection!