Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Helena Victoria. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Helena, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning the craft of acting and dance is a transformative journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a deep connection to both body and emotion. Like a dancer mastering their steps or an actor inhabiting a character, it begins with a profound commitment to the art form and a willingness to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

The journey of acting begins with understanding the fundamentals of performance- breath control, vocal projection, and physical presence. I learn to inhabit characters, exploring their motivations, fears, and desires with empathy and authenticity. Through scene study, improvisation, and character analysis, I developed the skills needed to breathe life into a script and captivate audiences with my performances.

Similarly, for dancers, the journey starts with mastering the techniques of movement-posture, alignment, and coordination. I train rigorously to build strength, flexibility, and endurance, pushing my body to new heights of expression and artistry. From contemporary to salsa, each dance form offers its own unique challenges and opportunities for self-expression, allowing me to communicate stories and emotions through the language of movement.

Yet, the journey of learning acting and dance is not just about mastering technical skills-it is also about cultivating creativity, vulnerability, and resilience. Throughout this journey, there are highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Rejection and criticism are inevitable, but they serve as opportunities for growth and self-reflection. With each audition, rehearsal, and performance, I gain invaluable experience, honing my craft and deepening my understanding of myself as an artist.

And as I continue on this journey, I find that the true magic lies not only in the performances I give, but also in the connections I forge with audiences, moving hearts and inspiring minds with my artistry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

With humble beginnings growing up in Gary, Indiana, I started practicing the craft of dance and acting through Street Theatre. My parents were unable to afford professional lessons, therefore a group of friends and I, created and performed shows for our neighborhood. Once twelve years old, I auditioned and was accepted into the Drama and Dance programs at Emerson for the Visual and Performing Arts School. There, I spent seven years learning academia and the art of dance and acting. This was the start of my professional training as an artist.

I performed in numerous professional and educational theatre productions in the Chicagoland area, such as “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “August Afternoon,” and “The Christmas Story” to name a few. Once in Dallas, I graduated with a B.A degree in Theatre Arts, transitioned from a Theatre performer and began studying Commercial Acting at KD Studios. I signed with The Clutts Agency, booked regional commercials, and began training in both Chekhov and Meisner Method acting, Improvisation, Scene Study, and Script Writing. I had the privilege of working on various sets (behind and in front of camera) involving short films, music videos, and TV productions.

My dance training roots are in different dance styles such as Contemporary, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Tap. But I later found my passion in Latin Dance, preferably Salsa. I experienced professional training with various instructors at Studio 22, Timba Tumbao, Tropik Vybe and other international dance instructors. Studying the craft of Salsa dance sparked a fire within myself to choreograph and perform an original solo piece, which premiered at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, TX. Additionally, I periodically teach and co-host Beginner Salsa Class at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Be on the lookout for the next one!

What I’m currently most proud of is the completion of my first experimental short film called “Masking.” Wearing many hats as Writer, Producer, Director, Actor, and Second Editor allowed me to merge my skills and talents within the art of dance and acting into one project. I had an amazing team that believed in the story and created a safe space to explore. “Masking” has been submitted to various film festivals and is currently under review.

If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be STORYTELLER. What sets me apart as a creative is my unwavering passion for storytelling and my relentless pursuit of excellence. I am driven by a desire to connect with others, to evoke emotion, and to inspire change through work. With every project, I strive to leave a lasting impression, to spark conversations, and to make a meaningful impact on the world around me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One aspect that non-creatives may struggle to grasp about the journey of a creative is the profound emotional investment and vulnerability inherent in the creative process. Creating art often requires artists to tap into our deepest emotions, to confront our fears and insecurities, and to expose our innermost thoughts and feelings to the world. This level of emotional openness can be both exhilarating and terrifying, as we lay bare our souls in pursuit of our craft.

Non-creatives may not fully comprehend the highs and lows of the creative journey-the moments of euphoria when inspiration strikes and the work and bookings flow effortlessly, as well as the periods of doubt and frustration when self-doubt creeps in and obstacles seem insurmountable. There were many times I auditioned for major projects, didn’t book, and was without work. The constant “starting over” as I hop from one project to the next. There are ebbs and flows within this field and one must TRULY love the craft to endure the down seasons. It is a calling and brings many artists, like myself, purpose. Non-creatives may have difficulty comprehending this fact.

In essence, the journey of a creative is a deeply personal and transformative experience that defies easy explanation. It is a journey filled with joy, pain, triumph, and failure-a journey that non-creatives may struggle to fully understand, but one that ultimately enriches the human experience in profound and meaningful ways.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is guided by a recognition of the gifts bestowed upon me by God. My goal is to honor these divine blessings through my artistic endeavors.

I view my creativity as a sacred gift from God-a reflection of His boundless love and infinite wisdom. I approach my craft with humility and gratitude, recognizing that my talents are not just for my own benefit but are meant to be shared with the world to inspire hope, joy, and passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/helenavictoriia_/

Image Credits
Photographer Credits: 1.) Brent Weber 2.) D. Rivera Dance Photography 3.) Joanna Serrano 4.) Juan Guajardo