Born & Raised: Tampa, FL

Joined BH: August 2017

What experience, mentor, or teacher supported your passion?
I have had so many people supporting me in dance for many years, but my parents, grandparents, and college dance teachers are the ones that have had the biggest impact on me.

When did you first know you wanted to dance?
I first knew I wanted to be a professional dancer when I was a freshman in college. My parents were dance teachers, so I danced all my life, and I was grateful enough to get a scholarship to go to college. It wasn’t until I was there, that I fell in love with the art of dance and understood the dynamics of movement and emotion that I could emote to touch those watching. I like to say my parents gave me a great foundation for technique and then, in college, my teachers gave me the reason for moving. They helped me grow the emotional side, so it wasn’t just steps anymore.

When and where was your first or favorite performance?
My first show was in Dallas, and I was so excited to be doing what I loved as a profession. It’s so hard to pick a favorite performance. I mean, every chance to perform out of the country has been special, but I would have to say my first year I got to perform Linea Recta for the first time in front of friends and family in Sarasota, FL is my favorite and I just remember being so ready to go all out and give it my all!

Why did you choose to come to Ballet Hispánico?
I actually chose to come to Ballet Hispanico when I was a senior in college and needed to start auditioning, if I wanted to make this my career. I saw they were having an audition during my spring break, so I booked a last minute ticket to NY and I got the job. I had seen some of their work before and really loved the versatility that was in their repertory. I’m all about versatility, so that was something that drew me in even more.

How do you see dance progressing as an art form and what impact do you feel you or your generation of dancers will have on the field of dance?
While live shows and the arts are taking a big hit during the pandemic, I feel that people will be yearning to see things live, and dance has the opportunity to be stronger and more impactful than ever before.