Hometown: Havana, Cuba

Born in Havana, Cuba, Shadian Aquia started his ballet journey at the age of seven, where he began his formal training at the Escuela Nacional de Ballet Fernando Alonso

In 2017, Shadian moved to Miami, Florida, where he joined Miami Arts Studio through its Dance Magnet Program. Training later continued at the Alihaydee Carreño Ballet School, through high school.

In 2022, Shadian joined Miami City Ballet’s school Summer Intensive. After he joined the Miami City Ballet school year round program. At the end of his first year with Miami City Ballet school, He was awarded the Tony Lerner Ansin Scholarship.

He had the chance to dance in ballets by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Justin Peck, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Durante Verzola, and Ariel Rose, along with other choreographers with the company and the school.

For the 2024–25 season, Shadian was hired as an Apprentice with Miami City Ballet, beginning their transition into the professional company environment. He continued with the company through the 2025–26 season.

At the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, Shadian was offered a Corps de Ballet contract with Miami City Ballet.