In Motion with Carla Rodriguez

Carla Rodriguez is "In Motion" with
 R.Evolucion Latina by LaVec

“People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.” –Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Hi! My name is Carla Rodriguez and I’m from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Art has always been a part of my life. As far back as I can remember, I was taking some sort of dance class or going to see a show, from ballet to bomba, my family worked hard to expose me to as many forms of art as possible. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in after school care programs and at different community centers. My friends and I would make up dances & songs and teach them to the kids younger than us.  Reflecting on it, it was probably these experiences that inspired me to get my Bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth, & Community Science with minors in Dance & Education. I knew I wanted to work with young people in the community but wasn’t sure how that was going to look when I was job searching. So much learning, growth, & identity exploration happens while you’re young. I am grateful to have had people in my life that always encouraged me to follow my dreams. No matter how unconventional they seemed at the time. I want to be that person for the young people I encounter. 

I worked for a middle school after school program for 3 years teaching different performing arts activities, did some work with elementary and high school students as well but ultimately, decided to focus on college students. So, I got my Master’s degree in Higher Education and about a year ago, I moved from my familiar college town & home state of Florida to North Carolina for my first full time job as a student affairs professional.  When I moved, I quickly got wrapped up in learning as much as I could about my job and meeting as many students as possible.  I think it was this whirlwind that delayed the realization of how unknown & unfamiliar this new stage of life was to me. My life had completely changed. I had to reestablish myself in the community, make new friends, and learn a new job… all at the same time. I had to take a step back. I needed something to feel familiar and comfortable.  

Many of my closest friends who I consider family live in New York, so I was spending a lot of time in the city. One weekend early this year, I was fortunate enough to reconnect with my friend Anthony Martinez who I have known since Kindergarten.  He didn’t know it at the time but he was the catalyst for so much inspiration to come.  As we were catching up on the past few years, I told him about my move and the feeling I had.  He posed a seemingly simple question to me, “If you could have your dream job, what would it be and why?”

The question caught me totally off guard. It made me have to stop and think. What was my dream? What job could I do that didn’t feel like work? What was I passionate about? What made me feel most alive and fulfilled? I had a feeling that if I could answer these questions, I’d be closer to being able to answer his question.  All I could come up with at the moment was something with young people, the arts and maybe an after school program.  Since he’s known me my whole life, he knew exactly what to say.  He was already involved with R.Evolución Latina and began telling me about all the wonderful programs and people.  He made sure to emphasize all the great youth programs and told me I had to get involved. This all happened right before the Choreographer’s Festival.  I was able to follow all the amazing things that came along with that project and was instantly inspired. “Uniting people through the universal language of dance”?! I had to be a part of such an amazing organization.

Carla, Denisse and Augustina
at the 2011 D2GB Children's Camp

When time came for the Dare to Go Beyond Camp, I immediately reached out to Denisse who was gracious enough to welcome me with open arms.  As people who value the arts, my job was supportive and let me take the week off from work.  Little did I know how much of an impact the experience would have on me.  From the campers, to the volunteers, teachers, and directors, I feel like each person inspired me in one way or another:  campers who would spend their free time practicing what they had just learned; older campers setting a positive example for younger campers and vice versa; volunteers who took days or hours out specifically to lend a hand; teachers who lent their artistry; and directors who pulled it all together.  When that much positive energy is in one space, how can you not feel inspired?

Those young people breathed new life into my spirit.  Ideas that seem so complicated to adults were simplified by the genuine curiosity of a child. This camp allowed many children to experience the arts in a way they couldn’t have otherwise.  It reaffirmed in me what I want to do in my life that will always give me energy.  All of my experiences in the past year, challenges & triumphs alike have one thing in common.  They have opened my mind to the immense possibilities of life.  These possibilities were always there but the people and lessons along the way have allowed me to see them more clearly.  My awareness has been heightened and I would not go back.  As I continue into the unknowns of each day, I take with me the spirit of the camp pledge, commit, respect, believe, support yourself and each other, and of course, Dare to Go Beyond!

“When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.” –Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Mario, Carla, Augustina and Gabriela Garcia giving an example of  eating healthy
at the 2011 D2GB Children's Performing Arts Camp.

The Three P’s by Milteri Tucker

Milteri Tucker

New York! A city of dreams, of aspirations, of opportunities, of challenges, but most importantly a city of perseverance!  The latter goes hand in hand with that of the DREAM in order to achieve ones goals. 

  I made the big move to this city, back when I was 17 years old! Yup fresh out of High School from Puerto Rico! As some may take time to find what they want to do, or figure out their next step, I already knew what I wanted. I had my goal set and was ready to take on the new challenge and my new life as a New York City girl! Full of hopes and dreams; I can not begin to tell you how this city has challenged me, from the very first moment I stepped on NYC ground to the  little obstacles, which I've stumbled upon. Yet with God's help and the support of my family I pulled through! Adventures and lessons one can only obtain from living life itself. Perseverancia y positivismo! have been my survival and the method in which I've been able to accomplish that list of dreams and goals!

    I came to NYC and pursued my degrees in both Dance, and Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Talk about a challenge! I  attended and studied at Hunter College. Those years as an undergrad, served as a base for the next few years to come. I decided to attend Hunter because it provided a liberal arts program, where not only could I pursue dance as a major, but the sciences as well. Two careers I could choose from, yet two which required and requires a lot of myself. I recall one of my semesters being some what like this: 9am Ballet class, 12pm Bio Lecture, a gap which served for rehearsal or studio time or library time, then off to a 5 hour sometimes 6 hour laboratory. Then, come back to the dance dept for my repertory  course with professional choreographer Patrick Widrig. I didn't mind, after all I was pursuing both of my interests and passions. During my tenure at the dance department  I learned valuable tools to continue a career in dance and choreography. In 2006 I graduated with honors!

Since then, I worked in a Bio lab and had decided to give it a shot at the real dance world: ie...auditions, auditions, auditions!!!!! I've had great opportunities, and performed in theaters, the concert scene and currently I am working with top choreographer Maria Torres, and am the founder and director of my own dance company, BOMBAZO Dance Co.

   I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful organization, R.Evolución Latina!!! I’ve been a member since its beginnings and have participated in workshops, volunteered with schools, as well as had an opportunity to perform in the 2011 Choreographers Festival. Something I thought was not going to be possible, since I was recuperating from knee surgery. But I looked at my situation and turned it around! Took it as a time to re-evaluate my goals, examine carefully my strength and weaknesses and to be fearless! In that mind set, I recalled walking in to RL’s audition not letting nor using my injury as an excuse to do less, on the contrary showing the panel how much passion and determination I had. With perseverance and faith in myself I have been able to accomplish my goals and set new ones! But what gives me the most satisfaction is not only to be able to perform, but it is to expand my voice and share my vision and thoughts with others through dance. I love dancing, just as much as I love to choreograph. Especially when I am sharing a part of my culture with a broader audience.

  For three consecutive years I’ve been assisting and teaching BOMBA (Afro- Puerto Rican song, music and dance) to students at RL's D2GB Performing Arts Camp. I can tell you, that I receive even more satisfaction teaching kids of all ages, along side Jose Ortiz & BombaYo. The look on their faces and how all move so well to the basic rhythm is overwhelmingly gratifying!!!

   My message to you all is the three P’s: Patience, Perseverance and a Positive mentality! Love what you do and pursue it like there is no tomorrow. Listen to your mentors, professionals, and always strive to learn something new each day! Be patient and rely own your craft! The three P’s have helped me continue my path as a performer & scientist!

                                              

R.Evolución Latina's Youngest Active Member

Samantha Melo

My name is Samantha Melo and I am a 16 year old girl from Brooklyn International High School. I was born in Brooklyn but I was raised in the Dominican Republic with my family. As a sister I have always been the funny character of the family and as a daughter I've been the little spark of art in the family. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer in one of my favorite artists' music videos. Coming from a family of four girls it was almost impossible to join any after school classes and be able to fulfill my dreams of becoming a dancer. Then I started dancing for the love of art, I danced for fun because it was the only thing that would  make me happy. Making my own dance groups with my friends, I performed my own pieces on stage at my school and when I got to 5th grade I joined the baton ballet. The baton ballet is a female dance crew who performs with a marching band on special occasions such as Independence Day or school festivals. I was part of the school baton ballet for over three years until my parents decided to move to the United States. Moving to the United States was a big change of life and a new world I had to adapt to. Leaving behind my family, friends and my house was upsetting to me because I had a great life exactly where I was. My parents thought I would find better opportunities and become a much more successful person in the United States. Sound familiar?

A few months later I was on my way to my first day of school in the United States, a Dominican girl with a Spanish accent, trying to fit in at a junior high school in Brooklyn. I remember crying on my first day of school because I had no idea what my teachers were saying and I had to speak in front of the class. As time passed I felt much more comfortable in class, made some friends and progressed in my schoolwork and then, without realizing it, I was being called up onstage of the auditorium because I had won Student of the Month. The moment I got up to get my award I heard people booing and talking behind my back, calling me names and telling me to get out. I couldn't help to run away from the auditorium and let out all my anger in the school bathroom. But this was just the beginning of a long year. I am talking about being bullied by some students, pushed in halls and yelled at in the lunchroom. I tried to interact with my classmates by finding things we had in common, of course Dance had to be one of the similarities. Then I started taking dance as an extracurricular activity every day after school. I performed with my classmates and for the first time I was noticed not for being the Spanish speaking girl in class but for being a talented dancer. After that performance I felt much more comfortable walking in the halls and interacting with friends. In no time I was graduating from Junior High School with honors and medals, without being judged by anyone and of course making my parents proud.

Annual School International Festival

The next year I began attending Brooklyn International HS as a freshman. My sister was a junior there which made me feel much more comfortable because I knew more people there. Besides, I was surrounded by kids from all around the world feeling the same way I felt in my first year in the US. Being surrounded by students from my country with people who shared the same tastes, culture and beliefs allowed me to try once again to form a dance crew with my friends and perform for the School Annual International Festival. I enjoyed performing with my friends so much because I had the chance to create routines and mix different music and show everyone where I come from. So I did the festival again the next year!

At the beginning of my junior year I was invited to be part of the United Nation Student Conference on Human Rights 2010 together with the most talented students in my school. This conference was a three day workshop on how to embrace awareness around the world. I had the opportunity to perform for a huge audience at the United Nations and it was televised in Mexico and France. Our school partnered with StudentsLive to create a 15 minute show about Human Rights. StudentsLive is a Broadway Educational Program, whose mission is to inspire lives through the power of theatre. Amy Weinstein, Founder and President of StudentsLive, with the help of the amazing staff trained us for a month to be able to perform songs from Broadway Musicals such as West Side Story, Les Miserables, Cabaret, Hair, Avenue Q and Rent. We had to learn how to dance to these new songs, sing and act. The moment I was introduced to this world I fell in love with Musical Theater. I was blessed to be part of this journey and I learned so much from it. It was one of the best experiences of my life not only because of the things I learned but because I realized I had talent.

United Nation Student Conference on Human Rights 2010

At Brooklyn International High School all students have to complete a three-month internship program during junior year in order to graduate. This internship provides students with the opportunity to explore a particular career interest, develop important workplace skills, apply new skills they learn, develop their English skills in a professional work environment, and grow in confidence and maturity. With that being said, I was looking for the best dance studios in NYC who could offer me a work study or at least bring me a little closer to the ARTS.

A few weeks later I applied to a top dance studio and got myself an interview with the Work Study Director. I have to say that was probably my worst interview ever. I had to show the lady my “Dance Resume” and the only valuable thing I had in there was my performance at the United Nations. Did I get the work study program? Yes, I actually did. Did I accept the work study program? No, actually I did not because it took me an hour to convince that woman that I have the potential to do my best, show her my commitment and how much I wanted it but it only  took her a few minutes to tell me that I wasn’t worth a spot in the dance studio. This lady made me feel as if I had to be the most experienced girl to be part of this program but most of all she made me feel that I was so far from achieving any of my goals on becoming a professional dancer. Even then, she gave me the chance to learn. But I couldn’t do it just because I felt intimidated by her and the rest of the dancers there.

At the last minute I was told about another organization that was looking for interns. This was R.Evolución Latina. R.Evolución Latina came to me like a little light of hope that got brighter and brighter as I learned more about it. R.Evolución Latina is a new-age non-profit organization that lives by the motto, DARE TO GO BEYOND. They are a collective of artists and activists committed to empowering the artistic community in order to inspire growth within the Latino Community through collaboration, productions, and educational support programs. Well, it only took me a few days to be inspired, to imagine what they could do with a child’s naivety. 

On Board with R.Evolucion Latina at the Panel of Arias Dance NYC

I was lucky to come into this great organization at the right moment. It was the first rehearsal of the Choreographers Festival. I was so excited during the whole process because I got to witness how each dancer thrived as an artist and gave their all in each one of their rehearsals. I wasn’t only watching them rehearse but I was also learning from the director, choreographers, assistant choreographers and the whole RL staff. That day, I met the Founder and Director of R.Evolución Latina, Luis Salgado. I have never seen someone who is so talented, full of energy and who loves what they do so much. Every single time I saw Luis teaching the RL Dance Company, I was so amazed by his work and the way he teaches others dance is indescribable. More than once I felt like getting up from my seat and joining them in their rehearsals because I felt the energy going I loved what they were doing. I remember watching them rehearse and picturing myself in their shoes a few years from now and it was such a great feeling.      

Later in the process D1 Dance Company from Peru arrived in NYC with a different style, a different origin and a different story. These dancers were so much greater than what we expected them to be. Their passion, their energy, their flavor, their costumes and their charisma gave the Choreographers Festival more light and diversity. The reason I loved them so much is because I could relate to them and they were really nice people. I was blessed to interact with some of them and to get advice on how to reach for my goals which has helped me so much. The opening night of the Choreographers Festival was my favorite memory from working with R.Evolución Latina. I believe I saw the show about 4 or 5 times and I couldn’t help but cry every time. That’s how great it was!

My future goals are really simple. Going to college, majoring in my main interest and succeeding is what I want to do. Thanks to R.Evolución Latina I now feel more confident and more positive about going for what I want to do which is to become an artist. I have been watching amazing dancers, singers and actresses for the past three months and I would love to keep doing this my whole life. It feels great to see other people do what I like the most and enjoy every single minute of it. I can’t help but feel bad sometimes because I feel that I am so far from where I want to be, but R.Evolución Latina gives me the push I need to go beyond. I appreciate everything R.Evolución Latina has done for me and it is good to know that I have a family that is looking out for me and helping me pursue my dreams. Of course none of the things R.Evolución Latina does could be possible without their strong umbrella, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. I respect their work and I wish them the best.

This summer I will be participating in the D2GB Children’s Performing Arts Camp, to start growing as a dancer and getting on the right track. With the help of R.Evolución Latina, I will take advantage of all the classes they can offer me and learn from others who surround me. In conclusion, this internship experience has been great and it is just the beginning of a great future.

Elizabeth Maria shares her story!

Elizabeth Maria Walsh
Photo by Philip Anema

...

“Don't lose who you are, in the blur of the stars,

Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay...
Sometimes it's hard, to follow your heart.

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,

Just be true to who you are..”

- "Who You Are" by Jessie J

            Currently one of my favorite female artists, Jessie J, sings the lyrics written above. These lyrics have never felt more real to me in my life than they have in the last few months. For those who don’t know who I am, my name is Elizabeth Maria, a twenty something year old Latina from Miami, Florida. Here’s my story…

            At the age of 18 I moved from Miami to New York City in hopes of one day becoming a professional dancer and maybe even finding my name in lights. Unfortunately, my first winter in New York I spent on crutches due to an injury. Now, I’m not about to give you a sob story of how I suffered an injury or give you a story about how I healed, but what I will say is that I lost my way a little. I strayed away from my true self. I gave up the one passion I knew my entire life; I gave up the dream of becoming a performer, an artist. After being told by so many that dancing was not a real job, I became discouraged and went back to school to finish my degree. I stayed in New York though; there was something about this city that said, “I’m not done with you just yet.”

            About a year ago I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine, a ballet dancer who was dancing for Dance Theatre of Harlem. I was just about to graduate with my bachelors and ready to settle into a 9-5 job. I was having doubts about the direction my life was going. Not one to regret any decisions in my life, I was simply unhappy and bored. I couldn’t imagine a life where the arts were not involved and a job sitting at a desk. I told my friend how much I admired his passion to pursue his dancing and how I could have never done it. His response was far beyond what I was expecting, he called me “a liar and a waste of talent.” He told me my passion for the arts was always there, I was just scared. Needless to say, he was right. The next day I found myself in ballet class for the first time in I don’t know how long.

Photo by Steph Mas

            The next few months I dedicated myself to getting back into shape. I figured I’d give myself the summer to really go for it to see if I could do it. That summer I fell in love with dance again, remembering what it was like to move and be free. It definitely wasn’t the easiest journey but I was finally remembering what it was like to be true to myself. I turned down the 9-5 job and decided that August that I would start auditioning again, getting back into the rhythm of a performer’s life. I was having a hard time finding who I was as a dancer; not street enough for the hip hop world, or bubbly enough for most Broadway auditions, I was once again battling with staying true to myself. 

            While on set for a new Gary Marshall film I began explaining my dilemma with one of fellow actors. He then asked me, “Have you ever heard of a man named Luis Salgado?” DUH! Of course I knew who Luis Salgado was. Mainly knowing about Luis’ work from In The Heights, a show I personally related to especially being a Latina growing up in Miami. He began to tell me a little about R.Evolución Latina, an organization he thought I would blend in perfectly with. I began to do a little research on RL and coincidentally they were holding dance auditions for their upcoming Choreographers Festival. I went to the audition and soon enough found myself dancing amongst so many Latinos just like me. It felt so comforting to be a part of an atmosphere where I could just be myself and not worry about fitting into a certain image. Because of R.Evolución Latina I have not only had the opportunity to work closely with so many great choreographers and inspiring artists but I have been so encouraged and motivated to continue to chase my dreams. Learning to let go and Daring myself to go Beyond, I have been blessed to be a part of a family that keeps motivating each other to pursue their dreams and passions. 

            During the Choreographer’s Festival, I was also fortunate enough to perform alongside Compañia de Danza D1 from Lima, Peru. Witnessing their first experience of coming to New York and seeing not only their incredible talent but their drive and motivation, I was inspired by them to challenge myself as a dancer and more importantly as an artist. What I did not know was that meeting D1 and being a part of R.Evolución Latina would lead to one of the biggest adventures of my life. I am excited to say that for the next six months I will be living in Lima, Peru dancing with D1. Of course I am a bit nervous leaving my life in New York City but the love and positive energy that D1 has, has given me such great confidence that this adventure will be one of the most rewarding times of my life, as a dancer, an artist, and a person. I am so blessed to be a part of R.Evolución Latina. They have inspired me and given me the courage to never stop dreaming. Because of R.Evolución Latina, I “Dare To Go Beyond!”

Elizabeth y los chicos de D1 comparten un desayuno.

DARE TO GO BEYOND!
Photo by James Delayo

      

The Circle Effect NOW in Panama

My name is Maryelin Barahona and I am a 25 year old Dancer/Choreographer/Teacher from Panamá. I am currently working at the National Institute of Culture (INAC) in Panama as the artistic director of a socio-cultural project for kids from under-served neighborhoods.

I lived in NYC for 3 years and I took dance classes, seeking the opportunity to grow and thrive as a dancer. During this time, I was an active member of RL mainly working with children during the D2GB Children's Performing Arts Camp. As volunteered I also attended different events such as the monthly inspirational meetings. RL was like a family to me in NYC.

Today RL's Circle Effect has changed the way I see the world. Through the Circle Effect I feel the need to spread my knowledge and transmit it to as many people as I can. I feel that I have the happiness and the strength to move forward and reach my dreams. The Circle Effect makes you inspire others through love and empowerment,  and once you have affected an individual, the cycle has been completed because this person would affect the next person in the same way you have.



I have learned so much with R.Evolución Latina and I have combined it with my passion for dance. I do all I can to leave a footprint in these kids lives by giving them all my love and care. I not only teach them how to dance and have fun while doing it, but I show them that it does not matter where they live or where they come from, they are amazing and so valuable. Each and every single one of them has something special to offer to this world.

Gabriela García & the Circle Effect in her Life

Gabriela García

I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in La Paz, which is a beautiful city on the West coast of Mexico right on the Sea of Cortez, or The Gulf of California. I started dancing when I was 5 years old.  As a child I was always dancing and singing around the house and I also loved to play with puppets and put on full plays for my little brother doing different character voices for every puppet.  So my mother decided to take me to dance class in order to put all that energy to work.  I was a member of the very first ballet school in my home town and I remember loving every minute of it.  

Gabriela García at 5 years old.

My passion for dance took me around the world; I traveled following this wonderful discipline. I danced in Mexico, the USA, Germany, and Austria.  Trough dance I went from classical ballet to musical theater and musical theater brought me to New York.  After several years of living my dream dancing I found myself in CHICAGO the Musical. Little did I know that getting into the Vienna production of this amazing show would bring me to New York and allow me to experience the show in Mexico City and on Broadway and to stage the production in Duesseldorf.  I had the honor of being dance captain for this musical for over 7 years, which was a lot of responsibility, hard work, and a lot of fun.  But after reaching the dream of making it to Broadway I asked myself, now what?  And that is when I met Luis Salgado on the set of “Enchanted”.  There we were, two Latinos working as principal dancers on the set of what would become a wonderful Walt Disney film.  I knew I would see Luis again but little did I know under what circumstances.  I find myself 5 years after our initial meeting working side by side with Luis as Co-director of R.Evolución Latina.  

It all began at a lunch meeting at Sevilla where Luis expressed his desire to let our Latino community know that there are Latinos in the Broadway and off Broadway community that, like us, are living our dream in order to inspire them to do the same with whatever passion they find within themselves.  How could I not be a part of such a wonderful movement?  I felt an immediate sense of empowerment and inspiration which I still carry and feel every single day by being a part of this amazing organization.  Through RL I have gained so much confidence by the mere fact that I believe in our mission of inspiring our community through the arts. That feeling of “now what” has been fulfilled by this opportunity to be an example to our children and youth, to talk to them about my experience in theater, inviting them to “Go Beyond” and reach farther than they thought possible, and through the arts, give them the tools to become leaders and examples in their community.  That has been the most rewarding feeling, seeing the impact a phrase, a dance piece, or a song can have on our children. 

In RL we talk about the “Circle Effect”. The circle effect is a self-sustaining cycle whereby individuals experience inspiring growth and in the process, discover their ability to inspire others.  For me, “The ability to inspire others” means simply doing what I do to the best of my potential, by living my passion and being the best ME I can be.  I listen to a John Mayer song as I write this and the lyrics “I am invincible” are sounding in the background.  That’s how I feel after being a part of RL and being inspired daily by the kids themselves who Dare to go Beyond, and by our volunteers who want to give back to our community.  Having the opportunity to be a leader in this organization has given me the courage and confidence to make of the biggest decisions of my career.  Many wonderful changes have happened in my life.  I recently became an America Citizen; I consider it an honor to be a citizen of a country that has given me so much opportunity. Also just ended my 12 year career with CHICAGO the Musical.  It was one of the most wonderful and fulfilling experiences of my life but  it was time to let go, take the risk and challenge myself again in order to find the creative me.  

We often fall into a comfort zone, and for me, when my passion started to feel like a job, I knew it was time to go, time to let go in order to allow other possibilities to come my way and find that passion again.  And going back to the creative me, that little girl doing character voices with her puppets is now a pretty successful voice over actor.  Who knew that would become my other career!  

I thank our Choreographers Festival for showing me that my passion is dance and it gave me the opportunity to create, to advise, to teach, to feel again and to remind me of what is important.  I became inspired by all the dancers who poured their hearts out in this production and said “Thank you for reminding me that dance is my passion and not my job."  So the Circle Effect continues as I, by becoming inspired can be the best person I can be and as Marianne Williamson’s poem says, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

Thank you RL and all those who dare to DREAM!