Taya Shawki

Rim Taya Shawki, known professionally as Taya Shawki, is a Swedish-Iraqi professional dancer, choreographer, makeup artist, and television personality. Born on June 1, 1993, she is best recognized for her long-standing collaboration with pop star Ariana Grande, serving as a lead backup dancer and creative director on major tours and music videos. As of 2026, Taya remains a key creative force in Grande's team, contributing to tour choreography and special performances. Her dual career as a dancer and makeup artist, with brand partnerships like LH Cosmetics, sets her apart in the entertainment industry. She has built a substantial following on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares dance tutorials, makeup reviews, and behind-the-scenes content from her life in Los Angeles. Her unique ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy performance and beauty expertise defines her modern persona in the industry.[edit]

Taya was born Rim Taya Shawki to Iraqi parents in the Angered district of Gothenburg, Sweden. Raised in a multicultural environment, she developed an early passion for dance, which became the foundation of her career. Before moving to the United States, she honed her skills in Sweden's competitive dance scene, performing locally and gradually building a reputation as a versatile dancer. In 2017, at the age of 24, she made the pivotal decision to relocate to Los Angeles, California, seeking broader opportunities in the entertainment industry. This move marked a turning point, launching her into the international spotlight. Prior to this relocation, she also began exploring makeup artistry, a skill that would later become a second career alongside her dance work. She identifies as Iraqi-Swedish and has spoken about the influence of her dual heritage on her artistic expression.[edit]

Taya's career breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined Ariana Grande's team shortly after the Sweetener World Tour began. Her technical precision and stage presence quickly elevated her to a lead position. In 2019, she appeared prominently in the music videos for "7 Rings" and "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored," performing as a principal dancer during the Sweetener World Tour, often positioned centrally in group choreography. In 2020, she contributed to the visual direction of the Positions album era, including the "34+35" and "Positions" music videos. During this period, she expanded her brand as a makeup artist, collaborating with brands like LH Cosmetics and being featured as their "Look of the Month." From 2021 to 2023, she leveraged her fame to appear as a judge on dance competition shows and reality TV segments, solidifying her status as a multi-hyphenate talent. She manages her bookings through Clear Talent Group. From 2024 to 2026, Taya has maintained her role as a key creative force for Ariana Grande, contributing to tour choreography and special performances. She continues to produce content on TikTok and Instagram, focusing on dance tutorials and makeup reviews.[edit]

Taya Shawki is known for a blend of streetwear and high-fashion aesthetics. On stage, she often wears athletic-chic outfits that allow for complex movement; off-stage, she favors sleek, modern looks, often showcasing her makeup expertise. Standing approximately 5'5" (165 cm), her physical stature is typical for professional backup dancers requiring agility and synchronization. Media coverage highlights her transition from a background dancer to a recognizable face in her own right through makeup and judging roles. Her social media voice is professional yet approachable, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of tour life and beauty tips. Portrayed as talented, grounded, and multifaceted, she maintains a reputation built on professionalism rather than chaotic stunts.[edit]

As of the August 2026 Global Fame Rankings, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Taya Shawki, so she holds no published placement. Within the Arianator community, however, she is highly revered and often the subject of fan edits on TikTok and YouTube that highlight her dance moves from the Sweetener and Thank U, Next eras. Fans frequently create viral trends using her dance routines from music videos, and there have been instances of fans organizing birthday tributes on social media, though these are organic rather than organized campaigns. The fanbase has no formal name, but her supporters are deeply engaged with her work. Her social media presence includes 83.2K followers on Instagram and over 1.2M likes on TikTok, reflecting her growing digital footprint among her dedicated audience.[edit]

Taya's full birth name is Rim Taya Shawki, with "Taya" being the professional moniker derived from her middle name. She is fluent in Swedish and English, with some proficiency in Arabic given her Iraqi heritage. Unlike many dancers who remain solely in performance, she successfully pivoted to makeup artistry, creating a unique niche. One of Taya's most famous moments was her appearance in Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" music video, where she was one of six women chosen to receive rings, symbolizing friendship and empowerment. This moment cemented her status as a trusted member of Grande's inner circle. During the Sweetener World Tour, she was often highlighted by critics and fans for her energy and synchronization, with a recurring story among concertgoers about her ability to maintain perfect formation even during high-intensity choreography sequences. Her website, tayashawki.com, serves as a hub for her booking information and professional portfolio.[edit]

Taya was born to Iraqi parents in Angered, Sweden, and grew up in a multicultural household. She has not publicly shared details about her siblings or extended family, keeping her family life private. As of 2026, she lives in Los Angeles, where she focuses on her career. She has no publicly acknowledged children. While she keeps her personal relationships guarded, she has occasionally alluded to the strong support system provided by her heritage in interviews regarding her artistic identity.[edit]

Taya Shawki is primarily associated with Ariana Grande, serving as her lead backup dancer and creative director. She is also represented by Clear Talent Group and has a brand partnership with LH Cosmetics. [edit]

Taya Shawki keeps her personal life private, and there are no confirmed public records of marriages, engagements, or high-profile romances. Tabloids occasionally speculate on celebrity dancers' relationships, but no credible sources have named a specific partner for her. As of 2026, she is reported to be single, focusing primarily on her career and creative projects. Unlike many peers who document their dating lives extensively, Taya maintains a strict boundary between her public work and private life, ensuring her romantic status remains unknown to the general public.[edit]

iFANN's editorial research places Taya Shawki's net worth at approximately $2 million as of 2026, with estimates ranging between $1 million and $3 million USD based on her career longevity and brand deals. Her income streams include principal dancer salary from Ariana Grande's world tours, estimated at $10k to $20k per show, performance fees for high-budget music videos, brand endorsements with beauty companies like LH Cosmetics, social media monetization from TikTok and Instagram, and private makeup artistry sessions in Los Angeles. While specific figures are not widely published by major financial outlets, her career longevity and high-profile collaborations support this estimate. Taya's wealth has grown steadily since her move to Los Angeles in 2017, reflecting her rising prominence in the entertainment industry.[edit]