Ryland Acree III is a teacher, choreographer, and international performing artist. Originally from Floyd, Virginia, Ryland began his dance education at the age of nine, going on to train with instructors such as Peter Boal, Olivier Muñoz, Le Yin, Alexei Kremnev, Michele Plescia, and Sandra Meythaler. His early dedication and talent earned him full scholarships to attend summer intensives at prestigious institutions including Boston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he graduated from their Professional Division. 

Throughout his career, Ryland has performed with companies such as the Oklahoma City Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and Ballet San Antonio. His repertoire includes works by renowned choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Septime Webre, Edwaard Liang, Jessica Lang, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Stephen Mills, Bruce Wells, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Brian Enos, Val Caniparoli, Twyla Tharp, and George Balanchine.  

As a choreographer, he has created new works for professional ballet companies, digital media, museum programing, fundraising events, competition solos, and ensembles. He was invited to represent the United States in the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition XII, globally recognized as the “Olympics of ballet”. 

Ryland's passion for education was ignited during his participation in the S.T.E.P.S. outreach program at Orlando Ballet under the guidance of Olivier Muñoz and Gonzalo Espinoza. While studying at Pacific Northwest Ballet, he served as a teaching assistant for the Dance Chance men's division class under Kiyon Gaines. He later went on to teach for the School of Ballet San Antonio, Oklahoma City Ballet's Yvonne Chouteau School, and to serve as School Director for Chattanooga Ballet. He is now the Events Coordinator for Arts Council Oklahoma City.