LUZ

Artistic Statement

I find the abilities to express myself as an artist through a constant acknowledgement and respect

towards my family. Both accidental and purposeful exposures to art as a child and teenager

molded the ways in which I view the world and how it has the ability to shapeshift into different

feelings and emotions. This constant change carries an uncomfortable yet inviting sense of

existing and it's in these moments of uncertainty in which I feel I have a purpose to share what

feels natural to who I am inspired to become as an artist. As a dancer I have always felt a need to

move with the intention of doing it for others and it is strongly correlated to my desire to pay

homage to something that extends further than my existence. Through raw expression and

vulnerability I strive to use my whole being to continue my sense of growth and compassion for

an art form that in more ways than one is capable of creating a universally shared language of

unity and authenticity.

Piece Description: LUZ

My approach to this piece is centered around the true and honest love for the people that

continue to shape who I am as a person. This piece has allowed me to show a much more

vulnerable side of myself as a choreographer and how that relates to sharing a story based on the

appreciation for that one person you can wholeheartedly consider the most important person in

your life. For me that person is my grandmother, Luz Marina Martinez. In dedication to her

sacrifices and selfless way of living for others, I wanted to share a piece that shows the

perspective of how she was able to overcome life threatening circumstances throughout her life

and how even throughout those hard times she was still able to put the well being of others

before hers. In an effort to fully portray this, I had to resonate with the things in her life that

made her feel whole, the joy of music and singing. Witnessing first hand the diminishing of this

joy as she grew older only further inspired me to make a conscious effort to do everything I

could to make her aware of how appreciated and loved she is by those who surround her.

Through this piece, I strive to make her understand that what she has had to battle in life is not

what defines her but what has allowed for her to be the reason why love is such a focal aspect of

our family orientation and for future generations to appreciate and understand.