UMN dancer Matthew Greco takes the UDA nationals stage in Orlando, FLA, performing their jazz routine during prelims of 2026. UMDT placed third overall in the finals. | Photo by Rouse Productions.

UMN performer hopes to break stigma about male dancers

University of Minnesota dancer Matthew Greco talks about what he has gained from his past four years on the team, what his future plans are, and how he hopes to inspire younger male dancers across the country.

By Jada Jones | Reporter

In January 2025, the University of Minnesota’s dance team blew up on social media. Their jazz routine “Dream on” by Aerosmith brought both people in and out of the dance community across the world together. However, one dancer in particular caught many people’s eye; the boy. He can turn over a dozen times, has the flexibility of a slinky, and brings an undeniable stage presence.

Matthew Greco was born and raised in Oradell, New Jersey.

“I was one of those kids that did every single sport when they were younger,” Greco said. “I did everything under the sun. And nothing stuck with me. I would like, be playing with the grass out in the baseball field.”

Everything changed when Matthew’s mother enrolled him in a hip-hop class at StudioL located in Waldwick, NJ, at age 8.

“Since then, I just really fell in love with it,” he said.

It hasn’t all been easy, though. He experienced a lot of bullying when he was younger because he was a male dancer; people at school, on social media, and people who recognized him on the street.

“I think there’s always this, you know, sort of hidden stigma around it, and I think that it sometimes can be viewed as a negative thing,” Greco said. “Because, you know, most people would think of men doing manlier sports such as football and baseball, hockey, and all the others”.

Greco has since come to terms with the stigma around male dancers, and the hate only inspires him every day to become a better person both in and out of the dance world.

“He’s motivated by the impact he can make. He cares deeply about contributing to something bigger than himself and leaving a positive mark on the people and community around him,” team member Maggie Fandel said.

The hate and stigma also inspire him to advocate for and inspire younger male dancers who don’t have a voice to speak out against these negative stereotypes. Greco does this through teaching and mentoring younger male dancers across the country, as well as taking advantage of his large social media presence.

*“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Matt is his dedication to every aspect of his life.” –Maggie Fandel, UMN dancer*

Throughout the past four years of his dance career, he has gained an immense following on social media, reaching nearly 90,000 followers on Instagram, and nearly 145,000 followers on TikTok. Students recognize him around campus, and hundreds of thousands of people leave comments on his posts, saying that Greco is their biggest inspiration and that they aspire to be him someday.

“I think it’s really funny, because I obviously don’t see myself as Matthew Greco from the University of Minnesota dance team, like I am a very normal human being,” Greco said. “I do the everyday things that every college student does. I literally was just in my biology lab two hours ago.”

Greco flipping mid air while performing their 2026 pom routine at the Best of the Best showcase in Williams Arena. The showcase is held every year and acts as a preview to the UDA national championship. | Photo submitted by Rouse Productions.

The dance season is now over, and as a senior, Greco is feeling bittersweet about it. He reminisces on his close bond with his team. “I am really sad. I think I’m grateful that I get to still be a part of it, and that I still get to, you know, be a part of Minnesota, just in a different light.” Greco said. After he graduates, he plans to stick around the U for a while and plans to do choreography for both college and high school teams around the country. Greco also plans on teaching dance intensives for studios that have invited him out.

“I wouldn’t change anything about these past four years, and there’s nothing more that I could have wanted from being on this team. I’m just like, eternally grateful, and I’m feeling really just lucky to be in the position that I am right now,” Greco said.

UDA nationals award timeline 2023–2026

• 2023: UMDT places first in both their jazz and pom routines at UDA nationals.
• 2024: UMDT places second in their jazz routine, and first in their pom routine at UDA nationals.
• 2025: UMDT places second in their jazz routine, and first in their pom routine at UDA nationals.
• 2026: UMDT places third in their jazz routine, and first in their pom routine at UDA nationals.