Matthew Greco: First Male Minnesota Dance Team Member
- For Greco, growing up in New Jersey meant navigating expectations.
- Greco's commitment to dance involved five-hour daily studio sessions, balancing school and homework.
- High school presented challenges. "Males are supposed to be in football or basketball," greco said.
Matthew Greco, a new Jersey native, found confidence and purpose through dance after navigating the challenges of bullying and societal expectations. Greco, the first male member of a Minnesota dance team, initially struggled with sports but discovered hip-hop at age eight, a passion that led him to five-hour daily studio sessions. Despite facing homophobic slurs, Greco overcame adversity by staying true to himself, drawing inspiration from MinnesotaS celebrated dance scene and instructors with Minnesota roots. News Directory 3 spotlights Greco’s triumph, highlighting his journey of self-discovery and resilience. This inspiring story underscores the transformative power of staying true to your passions.Discover what’s next for Matthew Greco and his dance aspirations.
new Jersey Dancer Finds His Role: Confidence Through Overcoming Bullying
Updated May 26, 2025
For Greco, growing up in New Jersey meant navigating expectations. He initially tried various sports, but none resonated. “I just hated everything,” he said, recalling his disinterest in baseball. That changed at age 8 when he discovered hip-hop dance, a discipline he embraced with dedication.
Greco’s commitment to dance involved five-hour daily studio sessions, balancing school and homework. Though, his passion wasn’t universally accepted. He faced homophobic slurs from peers, a painful experience he chose not to retaliate against. This experience shaped his role as a dancer.
High school presented challenges. “Males are supposed to be in football or basketball,” greco said. Despite the bullying, he found strength in staying true to himself.”I was able to overcome that and be true to who I was,” he stated. “I’m just gonna keep doing me.”
Greco’s inspiration stems partly from Minnesota’s renowned dance scene, wich boasts 23 national championships.He trained with Kelley Larkin and Danielle at Studio L in New Jersey, instructors with Minnesota roots. Greco noted that his dance community “idolized” Minnesota. He also credits his mother for her unwavering support.
“The first time I watched them, my jaw dropped to the floor,” Greco said, describing his reaction to Minnesota’s dance style. He described their style as “untouchable,” adding, “You just want to hold your chest as high as they do, you want to be that confident.”
What’s next
Greco plans to continue pursuing his dance career, hoping to inspire others to embrace their passions and overcome adversity, solidifying his role as a positive influence.