Ryley Kennedy | 2025 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient
- The Sunset Project
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
In August, The Sunset project was honored to announce Ryley Kennedy of Alpena, Michigan, as one of five Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipients for 2025!
Ryley is a lifelong dancer who uses movement as a powerful form of artistic expression and storytelling. She enjoys both performing and teaching, with aspirations to one day open her own studio to inspire the next generation of dancers.
We recently sat down with Ryley to discuss her unique story, why she applied, and what she hopes to utilize the funding for. Check it out below!
Hi Benjamin, can you introduce yourself quickly to those who may not know you already?
My name is Ryley Kennedy, I am from Alpena Michigan and my creative pursuit is dancing!
How would you describe your creative interest to someone unfamiliar with it?
I would describe dancing as a form of artistic expression through the movement of your body. Your movements can reflect what you feel like and can be a form of abstract art. My favorite thing about dance is that your dancing doesn’t have to fit just one storyline. In fact, it can portray many different stories to each person who views it.
What initially inspired your interest in this space?
Dance has been a part of my life practically since I could walk. I actually used to dance around my living room all the time as a child which made my mom decide to enroll me in dance classes. I have loved dancing my entire life, it has become a huge passion of mine, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
What's one of your most memorable experiences or milestones from your creative journey?
A memorable milestone from my creative journey was when I got to perform a dance solo at my recital a few years ago. It was so exciting to get to fully express myself and not worry about having to dance the same exact way as a group of people (which is typically needed in a group dance). Dancing a solo taught me to dance from the heart and show my own style as a dancer. I will never forget how amazing that experience was for me!
How have challenges or setbacks helped shape your creative process?
I realize that my body is most likely incapable of professionally dancing my whole life. This has shaped my visions towards the direction of wanting to open my own dance studio someday to teach and pass along the joy of dancing to the next generation of dancers!
How do you envision your creative interest evolving over the next year?
Over the next year, I will be working on a dance solo at The Dance Centre to compete at dance competitions and perform at our annual recital. I will also be spending a lot more time teaching students this year to build my skills as a dance teacher. In addition, I will be applying to various colleges to further my education in dance.
How do you plan to utilize your grant funding to further your creative interest, journey, and process?
I plan to mainly utilize my grant funding towards various dance intensives that will vigorously build my skills in dance and allow me to further my artistic abilities in my movements.
Do you have any advice to share with someone looking to pursue their own creative interests?
My biggest advice to someone looking to pursue their own creative dreams is to never give up no matter how many challenges and setbacks are thrown your way. I would have never in a million years guessed that I would be where I am today in my dance journey. It is so important to not let doubt take over your life because anything can be possible!
Are there any social media profiles, websites, or other resources where our readers can follow your journey and support your work?
Instagram (Main) - @Ryleykennedy_
Instagram (Artistic) - @Ryley_rythms
Is there anything else you'd like to share about The Sunset Project, or your experience in the Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant program thus far?
I am so thankful that The Sunset Project has provided me with this opportunity to support my dance journey and I look forward to working with them!
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