Gymnast Nia Dennis Cartwheeled Into the Met Gala With a Marching Band
She performed a full routine—in Stella McCartney x Adidas, no less!


Nia Dennis, an incredible gymnast known for her floor routine—you may know her after she went viral for her routine that celebrated Black culture—was joined by a literal marching band, specifically the Brooklyn United Marching Band, at the 2021 Met Gala. It's basically the coolest thing you've ever seen: She's wearing a blue Stella McCartney x Adidas bodysuit, according to E! News, and she literally performed a routine, complete with flips and splits, on the steps of the entryway. Best way to start the event? I think so!!
She danced to an instrumental version of "New York" by Alicia Keys. She posted a sparkly Boomerang to her Stories in her outfit with the caption, "all the rumors are true yea." Fans were delighted: "Nia Dennis shows Jason Derulo what he should have done when he fell down the #MetGala steps," wrote Jarett Wieselman. "Nia Dennis has actually fallen down the stairs of the Met Gala (on purpose)," wrote Alex Zalben.
Here are images of the epic performance:
And The Shade Room even has video from the performance:
Gymnast Nia Dennis was eating the girls up 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 pic.twitter.com/t8ubqmmM4PSeptember 13, 2021
And here it is from another angle:
We are live from the 2021 #MetGala with @BKunitedMB. Don't miss a single minute from the red carpet. Here's how to watch, now: https://t.co/IDE1MRB1yF pic.twitter.com/JcywpOb21vSeptember 13, 2021
That. Is. Epic.
Dennis later walked the red carpet in Ana Khouri jewelry, Jennifer Behr's Gigi bobby pins and a sheer sparkly floor-length overlay:
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
So there's even a high-fashion version of her athletic outfit. Amazing.
RELATED STORY

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Taylor and Travis Debut Hers-and-His Stanely Cup Sweatsuits
The couple made a surprise appearance for Game 4 of the championship.
-
Confirmed: Dua Lipa's Diamond Ring Is of the Engagement Variety
It has a romantic backstory, too.
-
Every Stylish Woman I Know Is Obsessed with this Expensive-Looking Nail Polish Shade
24 luxe options that work with every skin tone.
-
Fashion's Embroidery Renaissance Is Stitching Fresh Life Into a Centuries-Old Art Form
Tracing the gilded thread from ancient Egypt and Tudor courts to the Spring ’25 runways.
-
Pucci Prints Are Back—And the Best Ones Are Already in Your Mom’s Closet
The best ones are already in your mom's closet.
-
26 New J.Crew Arrivals I Predict Everyone Will Be Wearing on Their Summer Vacations
Consider my dream vacation wardrobe sorted.
-
The Secret to My Anti-Basic Summer Outfits? These Elevated Neckline Tops From H&M and Zara
28 under-$50 picks from H&M and Zara to instantly upgrade your look.
-
Miley Cyrus's Naked Schiaparelli Net Dress Is Dripping With Crystal Water Drops
The singer plucked the nude haute couture outfit straight from the runway.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Doubles Up on Controversial Summer Trends in Jorts and The Row Flip-Flops
She also played into 2025's sardine fashion trend in an unexpected way.
-
Kylie Jenner Pairs Her Retro Knicks Jacket With a Rare Bag and Celeb-Beloved $54,000 Watch
Bootcut jeans and vintage Chanel mules completed the perfect date night outfit.
-
Dakota Johnson Just Styled the Effortless Jacket Trend All New Yorkers Are Wearing
She completed her outfit with a sheer bodysuit and more than $130,000-worth of jewelry.