We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Annette Barcelona. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Annette below.

Alright, Annette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

My career path was not linear by any means. I took a break in my early 20’s from my pursuit to be a professional dancer and went to college for Fashion Design & Marketing. I wanted to try something different, still artistic and creative in nature. I worked as an Assistant Buyer for Macy’s Department Stores for a couple of years, and then as a Production Assistant in Advertising. I found myself in a desk job I was great at, but felt extremely unfulfilled. In 2008, during the recession, the central office was eliminated, and I was gifted a severance. I was ecstatic to be forced OUT with time to forge a new path. I redirected my life towards my passion, ballet & choreography, I began teaching dance in public schools, joined a ballet company, and began working towards a second BFA, this time in Dance Education. I subsequently attended Florida State University and completed an MFA in Performance & Choreography while dancing professionally. The rest is history! I cannot imagine a better career for me. I am grateful and honored to lead an artistic life blending my passion, purpose, and livelihood!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Annette Barcelona is a dance artist based in Southern California and travels throughout the country teaching and choreographing professionally for regional ballet companies, universities, conservatories and public schools. She has over fifteen years of teaching and professional choreography experience. Annette is the Dance Department Chair at The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and a Lecturer at San Diego State University for the School of Teacher Education. Her choreography has been selected and performed at The McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, The American College Dance Festival, The Regional Dance America Pacific Festival, The Ballet Alliance Festival, Regional High School Dance Festival and Youth America Grand Prix amongst other venues.

Learn more about my professional life at annettebarcelona.net

Learn more about SDSCPA – The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts – https://scpa.sandiegounified.org/arts/dance and on Instagram & Facebook @sdscpadanceofficial

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I reflect and process life through dance. At first, dance was the physical outlet I needed, quenching my innate desire to MOVE, paired with another great love of music. My skills and passion blossomed over time, and beyond becoming a professional ballerina, I learned discipline, grit, and perseverance. There are so many rewards to being an artist. The joy I felt performing on stage for an audience was unique. The joy I feel seeing my choreography performed on stage is another feeling. The rewards I receive through my students’ progress, growth and successes are what make me excited to go to work every single day. My life and my artistic life are one in the same. I choreograph to make sense of the world, myself, and the human experience. There’s great beauty in art, the making of art, and sharing it with the world. It’s the bravest act of vulnerability. I am lucky I get to do it.

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

I am committed to the lifelong pursuit of joy, knowledge, and connection. Every life experience, the good, the bad, the ugly, can and will inspire my next great ballet. I value being present, vulnerable, and curious.

Contact Info:

• Website: annettebarcelona.net
• Instagram: @nettiestar404 & @sdscpadanceofficial
• Facebook: @sdscpadanceofficial

Image Credits
Dena Meeder – pink skirt/boots