Yainer Ariza on His Passion for Dance, Music, and Fashion

Who is Yainer Ariza?

Yainer is a Colombian dancer, choreographer, and social media star, best known for his work with Lil Nas X rapper.

Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education

Yainer Ariza was born on 12 July 1997, in Bogota, Colombia, to parents Jose Geronimo Ariza Diaz and Lorraine Medrano Bonfante, who raised Yai and his sister Tefy Ariza, who is also a dancer.

Yainer first attended a local school in the Bruselas neighborhood, continuing at the Colegio Mayor de Bolívar. Despite facing challenges in Cartagena due to limited cultural opportunities, Yainer joined the Latin Dance school at the age of eight, setting the stage for his future in the world of dance.

Career Beginnings

Yainer Ariza’s dance career began at the tender age of eight, when he enrolled in the Latin Dance school in his neighborhood. As he delved deeper into the art, Yainer became a choreographer at Latin Dance CTG, contributing to the role from 2006 to 2014.

A pivotal moment in his career happened in June 2015, when he assumed the position of director at the Strong Diamond company. However, Yai’s journey was not limited to local stages.

At the age of 16, he joined the Periferia dance company, guided by the choreography of Lobadys Pérez Barrera. This move opened doors to a global stage, with Yai showcasing his talents in various countries, including Vietnam, Japan and Mexico.

Rise to Stardom

In 2019, Yai Ariza made a significant move, relocating to Los Angeles, California, aiming to propel his dance career to new heights.

His distinctive dance style, coupled with his Afro-Colombian heritage quickly garnered Yai international acclaim, establishing him as a highly sought-after dancer and model. This newfound recognition opened doors to collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names.

He’s teamed up with global icons such as Lil Nas X, Rihanna, and Katy Perry, leaving an indelible mark in the music world. He featured in popular music videos such as “Industry Baby” and “That’s What I Want” which catapulted him to online stardom, accumulating millions of views and further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the dance and entertainment scene.

Most recently, he’s been selected as a dancer for Doja Cat and has been on tour with recent performances in Detroit, Washington D.C., and other cities across the US. To speak further of his accomplishments, Ariza modeled for renowned fashion brands Moschino and Harpers’ Bazaar Greece.

TikTok and Instagram Popularity

Ariza quickly became a social media sensation, particularly on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. On the former, he captivated audiences with his dance moves, lip-syncs, and point-of-view (POV) videos, amassing a dedicated following – his account boasts an impressive 710,000 followers and has garnered 12 million likes.

Moreover, he’s an Instagram star with over 190,000 followers on his official account,  which he’s used his account to promote his work sharing dance videos and modeling work, but also glimpses into his daily life.

Net Worth

According to authoritative sources, Yai Ariza’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, as of late 2023.

Personal Life

When it comes to his personal life, Yainer is married to Ashley Davidson. Their relationship faced scrutiny, particularly concerning paternity rumors surrounding Ashley’s son, Noah James. A paternity test clarified Yai’s biological connection, revealing that he wasn’t Noah’s father.

Before his marriage, Yainer was in a relationship with Lil Nas X. The two began their romance in August 2021, but by October  had broken up, as Lil Nas X wanted to be single and focused on his career.

Appearance and Body Measurements

Yai Ariza has black hair and brown eyes. He stands at a height of 5ft 8ins (1.73m), while he weighs approximately 145lbs (65kgs).