We recently connected with Darina Eid and have shared our conversation below.

Darina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

As a child, the first memory I have of a thought of my own was: “Never stop wanting it, never give up.” This inner voice became my drive and companion, guiding me through the challenges of growing up with dreams of becoming a dancer and actress in a culture where such ambitions were often dismissed. Despite facing skepticism and laughter from some adults and peers, there were a few inspiring individuals whose stories showed me that success in the arts was possible, even against the odds.

With their examples fueling my determination, I took a leap of faith at 18, moving to New York City to study dance at Marymount Manhattan College. Despite doubts about my abilities and the fear and sadness of leaving behind my homeland and family, I persisted, pushing myself beyond what I thought possible. Now, nearly a decade later, I stand as a testament to the power of perseverance, living out my childhood dreams as both a dancer and actress in the vibrant streets of New York.

Darina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m both a dancer and an actress originally from Bolivia. I began my dance journey at age five. Inspired by my father’s resilience in pursuing dance despite stigmas and challenges in Bolivia, I always felt drawn to the arts. With my parents’ support, I chased my dream of dancing professionally in New York City, earning a scholarship to a prestigious dance program at Marymount Manhattan College.

But alongside dance, I discovered a passion for acting. After college, I began my dance career on Norwegian Cruise line’s “Regent Seven Seas” luxury brand, but COVID-19 halted it abruptly. During this time, I found solace in acting and diving into online classes. When in-person classes started again, I auditioned for HB Studio’s conservatory program and got accepted. Soon, I landed a small role in a movie, realizing that acting had become my true calling, even though dance will always have a special place in my heart. After only a few months of finishing the conservatory, I have done a feature film and a variety of short films, including one I have personally written, produced and starred in. Additionally, I made my off-Broadway debut last year at Repertorio Español and I currently find myself performing at the prestigious Teatro GALA in “Mummy in the Closet: The Return of Eva Peron” in Washington DC. I feel incredibly grateful and blessed for all the opportunities that taking a leap of faith has given me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During my final months in college, I mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared myself for the daunting audition process awaiting me post-graduation. For artists like me, auditioning isn’t just a step in the journey; it’s a way of life. I began auditioning a few months before graduation, hoping to secure a role. Despite my efforts, graduation day arrived, and I found myself attending numerous auditions, experiencing highs and lows as I navigated through each one.

While some of my peers grew frustrated and chose to redirect their energy elsewhere, I couldn’t bring myself to stop. Something deep inside urged me to persevere. Month after month, from February to September, I continued auditioning, maintaining my motivation by taking classes and immersing myself in the dance world in New York City. One particular audition for Norwegian Cruise Lines, under their luxury brand “Regent Seven Seas,” stood out. Despite initially doubting my chances because I had already in the past attended a couple of their auditions, I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, I passed through each round, eventually reaching the final stages.

After the audition, I chose to focus on my mental well-being and not dwell on the outcome. Months passed without any word, and by September, I had attended 96 auditions, which each one was documented in my calendar. Then, one ordinary Tuesday afternoon at the gym, a phone call from Florida delivered the news I had been eagerly awaiting: I was offered a role in the inaugural cast of their newest ship, at the time titled as “the most luxurious cruise in the world”. It was a dream come true, a testament to the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that perseverance pays off, and giving up was never an option for me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As an artist, my mission is clear: to build a rich and rewarding life solely through my art. I seek out projects that speak to me on a profound level, allowing me to fully immerse myself without the need for supplementary work to support myself. While fame and material benefits aren’t my driving forces, I’m open to them if they align with projects which I am truly passionate about. Yet, at the core of my ambition lies the desire to make my living entirely from my art.

Although this dream may sound simple, its realization is anything but. It demands unwavering commitment and perseverance in navigating the complexities of the artistic world. But I’m determined to pursue this path with fervor, knowing that the journey toward sustaining myself through my art is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darinaeid.com
• Instagram: @darinaeidh
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/y5Gx66jJeIo

Image Credits

Nica Fazio
Alvaro Gumucio
Sid Gopinath
Ariana Zabalaga
Daniel Martinez