We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jhesus Aponte a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jhesus, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on has undoubtedly been my Heels convention, “DST Bootcamp by Jhesus Aponte,” which I’ve had the privilege of organizing for eight years in Milan, Italy. This project holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, passion, and community.
Back in the early days, the idea of Heels was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where enthusiasts from all walks of life could come together, share their love for dance, and inspire one another. The first convention was a small gathering, but the energy and excitement were palpable. Seeing everyone come together, expressing themselves freely, was incredibly moving.
As the years went by, “DST Bootcamp by Jhesus Aponte” grew beyond my wildest dreams. It became a vibrant hub for dancers, choreographers, and dance lovers from all over the world. Each year, we introduced new workshops and invited to teach incredible talents like Yanis Marshall, Barbara Jimenez, Griselle Ponce, Tania Cannarsa, La B Fujiko, Yunaisy Farray, and Amneris Morales. The performances pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The connections made, the friendships forged, and the stories shared have been truly inspiring.
This past April, we took a bold step by launching JAWDX Salsa Fusion Mentorship (Jhesus Aponte World Dance Xperience) in Los Angeles, our first event outside of Milan. This event was particularly special because it included a mentorship program that fused the rich cultural elements of Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Voguing, and Jazz with live music and singers. Bringing together such diverse influences created a dynamic and unique experience that resonated deeply with everyone who attended.
My convention is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the power of passion and the beauty of bringing people together. It’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your support, creativity, and energy have made JAWDX what it is today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Jhesus, 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?
For those who may not have heard about me before, I’m Jhesus Aponte, a dancer, choreographer, dance coach, and instructor, as well as a two-time world salsa champion. My journey into the world of dance started at a young age, fueled by a deep passion for movement and expression. I was captivated by the power of dance to tell stories, convey emotions, and bring people together.
My career began with salsa, a dance form that holds a special place in my heart. After years of dedication and hard work, I had the honor of winning the world salsa championship twice, which was a monumental achievement for me. This recognition opened doors and allowed me to expand my horizons and explore other dance styles, such as Afro-Cuban, Latin Fusion, hip hop, and jazz.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of dancing and choreographing for many Latin and American stars, including Gilberto Santa Rosa, Michael Jackson, Brian McKnight, Paulina Rubio, Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan, La India, Olga Tañón, Victor Manuelle, Bad Bunny, Aventura, and Luis Enrique, among many others & working in Film, Music Theatre & T.V. These experiences have enriched my understanding of dance and have given me the opportunity to work with some of the most talented artists in the world.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and coaching dancers from all over the world. My services include dance instruction, choreography for performances, Film, T.V, Theatre and events, and personalized coaching to help dancers, actors & performers reach their full potential. I strive to create a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers can thrive and express themselves freely.
One of the main problems I solve for my clients is helping them break through their own limitations. Whether it’s mastering a new dance style, perfecting a routine, or building confidence on the dance floor, I’m committed to guiding them every step of the way. My unique approach combines technical precision with creative expression, ensuring that each dancer not only learns the steps but also feels the music and tells a story through their movements.
What sets me apart from others is my dedication to fusing different dance styles to create something truly unique. This is most evident in my Heels convention, “DST Bootcamp by Jhesus Aponte,” which has running for eight years in Milan, Italy. This event brings together dancers, choreographers, and dance enthusiasts from around the globe, offering workshops, performances, and mentorship programs that blend different Dance genere elements. The convention became a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what dance can be.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on the dance community. Seeing dancers transform, gain confidence, and achieve their dreams is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to continue creating opportunities for dancers to explore their potential and share their passion with the world.
For anyone considering working with me or attending one of my events, I want you to know that my commitment to excellence and innovation is unwavering. My brand is built on the principles of creativity, passion, and community, and I’m dedicated to making every experience unforgettable.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my work. I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with all of you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the profound impact that dance can have on people’s lives. As a dancer and choreographer, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the transformation that occurs when someone connects deeply with the music and movement.
For dancers, it’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new heights. Seeing a dancer break through their own limitations, whether it’s mastering a complex routine or finding their unique style, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that dance is not just about technique but also about personal growth and self-discovery.
For choreographers, the reward lies in the creation and storytelling. Crafting a piece that resonates with an audience, evokes emotions, and tells a story is an unparalleled experience. It’s about bringing a vision to life and seeing it unfold on stage, knowing that every movement, every expression, carries a piece of your creativity.
To my fans and followers, your support and enthusiasm are what make this journey so special. Sharing my passion with you and seeing how dance touches your lives is truly inspiring. Whether it’s through social media interactions, workshops, or performances, your energy and love for dance fuel my creativity and drive.
For the general public, the beauty of dance is its universality. It transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing people together in a shared experience. Knowing that my work can reach diverse audiences and create moments of joy, inspiration, and connection is deeply gratifying.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to inspire and be inspired. It’s a continuous cycle of giving and receiving, where each dance, each performance, and each interaction adds to the richness of the journey. Dance has the power to transform, heal, and uplift, and being a part of that is the greatest reward of all.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my view, to best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can take several important steps. Firstly, providing consistent funding and resources is crucial. This means investing in arts education from a young age, ensuring that schools have the resources to offer dance, music, and visual arts programs. It’s essential to create pathways for young talent to develop and flourish.
Secondly, offering grants, scholarships, and financial support to emerging and established artists can make a significant difference. Many artists struggle with financial stability, and having access to funding can allow them to focus on their craft and push creative boundaries without the constant stress of financial constraints.
Public spaces should be made available for artists to showcase their work. This includes galleries, theaters, community centers, and public performances. Having accessible platforms for expression allows artists to connect with the community, share their talents, and gain exposure.
Support also means fostering a culture that values and respects the arts. This involves encouraging attendance at performances, exhibitions, and other artistic events. When people actively engage with the arts, it creates a vibrant cultural scene that benefits everyone.
Collaborations and partnerships between the arts and other sectors can also be incredibly beneficial. For example, integrating art into urban planning, healthcare, and technology can lead to innovative solutions and enhance the overall quality of life.
Moreover, promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts is vital. Ensuring that artists from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to express themselves and be recognized for their contributions helps create a richer, more varied artistic landscape.
Finally, providing artists with mentorship and professional development opportunities can help them grow their careers. Learning from experienced professionals, gaining business acumen, and understanding how to navigate the industry are all critical for long-term success.
By taking these steps, society can create an environment where artists and creatives thrive, enriching our culture and inspiring future generations. Supporting the arts isn’t just about aiding individual artists; it’s about fostering a dynamic and innovative society where creativity is celebrated and nurtured.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jhesusaponte.com
- Instagram: @jhesusaponte
- Youtube: @jhesusaponte
