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

Alright, Aldonza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Up until now, the most meaningful and transformative project I’ve been a part of wasn’t a traditional job or project. It was a LIFE project, a once-in-a-lifetime gift from my parents, the opportunity to attend and be part of the fourth generation of students at the CLI Conservatory, led by Teddy Forance.

Being at CLI wasn’t just about training as a dancer. It was about growing as a human being. Every day brought new challenges, new lessons, and new moments that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I was surrounded by incredibly passionate and talented people who inspired me constantly and reminded me of why I chose this path. I built deep, lifelong friendships and connected with mentors who helped shape the way I see the dance industry and myself.

The experiences I lived, the knowledge I gained, and the love and support I received during my time at CLI are things I will carry with me forever. It was, without a doubt, the best investment I could’ve made. Not just for my artistic career, but for my personal growth. I left CLI not only as a stronger dancer, but as a more grounded, open, and grateful human.

Aldonza, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I consider myself extremely fortunate because, for as long as I can remember, I’ve known that dance is what connects me to life. Ever since I was a little girl, I was full of energy, always looking for movement, unable to stay still, no matter what I was doing. When I was three years old, I took my first ballet class… and the rest is history.

As the years went by, I explored and trained in many different styles of dance, including street styles, contemporary, jazz, concert dance, hip-hop, heels, jazz funk, and more. But after graduating high school, I moved to New York to train with some of the best in the industry and to follow my dream of becoming a professional dancer. It was there that I realized my true passion was in the commercial industry. Nothing makes me feel more alive than dancing on a stage.

One of the most meaningful realizations I’ve had as a dancer is how deeply I want to use my art to advocate for the value of artists, and especially dancers, in the world. Too often, dance is seen only as entertainment, something beautiful or exciting to watch, but not always understood or respected for the depth, discipline, and humanity it carries. What we do takes years of dedication, sacrifice, and emotional honesty. We give our minds, our bodies, and our hearts to something that exists moment by moment, and yet leaves a lasting impact on those who witness it.

I dream of being part of a movement that shifts the narrative, where dancers are no longer in the background, but seen and celebrated as the powerful, intelligent, and necessary voices we are in the world of art. I want to use every stage I step on, every project I’m part of, to not only express myself, but to shine a light on the dignity of our profession. We’re not just performers, we are storytellers, healers, culture-shapers. We are artists for a reason, and it’s time the world truly sees us as such.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has not been easy. Unfortunately, throughout my life, I have suffered three serious injuries, one of which required surgery. Forcing me to stop dancing and pause my training for months at a time. Those months were some of the most challenging periods I’ve ever faced. I didn’t just feel anger, sadness, or confusion; I experienced profound identity crises because my sense of self-worth and identity were deeply tied to dance.

It took going through this painful process three times before I finally grasped a life-changing truth: I am more than just a dancer, and my value as a person is not defined by my ability to dance. That realization shifted everything. It transformed my vision, my perspective, my experiences, and my love for dance in ways I could never have imagined, all for the better.

Dance is my passion, my calling, and what breathes life into me, but I, Aldonza, am so much more than the movements on a stage. I am a whole person, with strength beyond the art, resilience beyond the injuries, and a soul that refuses to be confined by any single label.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is that my work is my passion, and it brings me immense happiness. Life is short, and our time on this Earth is fleeting. I have always believed that my purpose is to follow my heart, pursue what truly fulfills me, and live a life filled with joy.

Many people never discover what truly makes them happy, or life forces them to abandon their dreams due to various circumstances. I speak from a privileged place, knowing how fortunate I am that my parents have always supported my dreams and continue to do everything possible to help me achieve them.

As a Mexican dancer, I come from a society where living off art or being an artist is often seen as synonymous with hunger and an uncertain future. Mexican society, and many others around the world, tells us that success means following the traditional path: earning a “formal” degree, securing a stable job, and living a predictable, “safe” life.

I don’t mean to generalize. There are many who choose this path and find happiness and success. But for me, following the traditional route was never an option. I chose to listen to my heart, chase my dreams, and give everything I have, despite the criticism and negativity I’ve faced. I would rather risk everything and never stop dreaming than allow fear, uncertainty, or the need to please others to dictate my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/AldonzaSantana?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacvoEatDDqtxgr-2ChoMr2DLU96T7UlhPteaf0FElC6J5ZDlNWi3gW4DuWePA_aem_uxsdrzZgGdEejyPiXs7Y8Q
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldonza.santana/

Image Credits

produced by CLI Conservatory