Interview with Renata Ienco
Inteview by Chris Duncan
From the electrifying courts of the Sydney Kings to the grand stages of the Hyundai A-League Grand Final, professional dancer Renata Ienco has experienced firsthand the growing intersection between dance and Australian sport. With a career spanning over a decade and credentials including performances for Warner Bros Movie World, The Wiggles, and Luna Park Sydney, Renata has recently added Sydney Kings’ game-day entertainment crew to her resume—cementing her status as a versatile and dynamic performer in the Australian dance scene.
In this exclusive interview with DanceLife Australia, Renata shares her thoughts on the evolving role of dance entertainment in sport, how Australia can take cues from the U.S. cheer and dance model, and why dance is an integral part of the modern game-day experience.
Taking Cues from the U.S.
Renata believes Australia is at a pivotal moment, with opportunities to embrace the entertainment-focused approach seen in American sports.
“The United States does everything on a larger scale,” she says. “They really value entertainment, and that contributes to the global appeal of their sporting events. It makes sense for Australian leagues to be inspired by this if they want to create unforgettable game-day experiences.”
She cites the globally recognised Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as an example of how dance teams can become powerful brand ambassadors in their own right—something she feels is absolutely possible in Australia with the right visibility and respect.
“There’s more talent now than ever,” Renata says. “But the challenge here is exposure. If clubs televised performances and gave dancers a stronger presence on social media, the recognition would naturally grow.” 
Inside the Sydney Kings Experience
Renata’s current contract with the Sydney Kings has given her a front-row seat to how dance is being integrated into sport entertainment at a high level.
“Sydney Kings game days definitely resemble NBA experiences,” she explains. “It’s non-stop entertainment—dance crews, mascots, emcees, giveaways, even celebrity look-alike contests.”
Her role goes far beyond performing routines during timeouts. From freestyle solos during the pre-game show to interactive activations like giveaways and on-court competitions, Renata and her team are embedded in the club culture.
“They made it clear we were part of the brand,” she shares. “We weren’t just dancers—we were part of the whole experience. Fans got to know us, and that connection was really special.”
Why Dance Matters at Sporting Events
According to Renata, dance plays a crucial role in sustaining the energy and atmosphere at sports events.
“Dance keeps the vibe alive during the quieter moments—like quarter-time or halftime,” she says. “It adds to the excitement when the game’s not in play and brings a broader appeal for audiences who are there for the experience as much as the sport.”
She likens pre-game entertainment to a crowd warm-up. “Just like athletes need to warm up before they play, fans do too! Dance can be the spark that gets the crowd fired up.”
The Cheerleading Comeback
Cheerleading, once a staple at many Australian sporting events, had faced criticism and a decline in recent years—something Renata believes is starting to reverse.
“There was concern about objectifying women, which is valid,” she says. “But cheerleaders are passionate professionals. Fans missed them, and game days lost a sense of tradition without them. It’s good to see them returning and being welcomed back.”
Renata also notes that cheer and dance teams play a role in challenging gender stereotypes in male-dominated sporting environments.
“When we’re visible, it shows young girls they belong in these spaces too. It’s about more than just entertainment—it’s representation, and it opens up more professional opportunities for women in performance.”
Changing Perceptions of Dance and Cheer
With the rise of docuseries like Cheer and America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, public perception is shifting.
“These shows show the grit, the training, the sacrifice,” Renata says. “People are starting to see it as a legitimate athletic pursuit. And teams like ours at the Sydney Kings—where we perform more hip hop than traditional cheer—are broadening the perception of what sport entertainment can look like.”
A Voice of Experience—And Recovery
Behind her professional success, Renata has also overcome serious injury, developing sesamoiditis and plantar fasciitis that sidelined her career nearly two years ago. Through extensive rehabilitation at Kinetica Physiotherapy and Balmain Sports Medicine, she’s made a remarkable comeback.
“Understanding your feet and their mechanics is so important,” she says. “Especially with the rise of dancing in heels, dancers need to build solid foundations to avoid injuries that could cut their careers short.”
Renata now advocates for injury prevention, encouraging young dancers to seek professional assessments and understand their unique biomechanics. It’s part of her mission to not only inspire, but educate the next generation of performers.
Looking Ahead
With dance entertainment finding its place in the evolving landscape of Australian sport, Renata Ienco is both a participant and a pioneer. Her message is clear: dancers bring more than just choreography—they bring energy, connection, and a sense of community.
“We’re not just on the sidelines—we’re part of the story,” she says. “And I hope more clubs continue to embrace that.”
As Australia continues to shape its own game-day culture, voices like Renata’s will no doubt help push dance and cheer performance into the spotlight—where it belongs.
