We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Colafrancesco recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I can say that I am proud of all the achievements I have made so far in my professional life even with the financial instability that comes with being a freelance artist. I come from a totally different reality, I used to work as a hair stylist back in my country, Italy, and moved to New York to pursue a dream. It all happened unexpectedly but these are the opportunities that most likely won’t happen twice in a lifetime. I decided to change my lifestyle completely and moved far away from every habit and comfort I established in my past. I sometimes question if this was the right choice for me or if I should have continued growing in a regular and stable life with a secure income, and maybe build my own family. I don’t regret my choices and I embrace all the sacrifices I’m making in hopes of creating a more stable future pursuing my dance career in the US.

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?

I received a full scholarship for the two years of the Certificate program at Peridance Center in New York City. As soon as I graduated, I started working for different organizations in New York and New Jersey as a Professional Dancer and Teaching Artist. If I didn’t receive this financial aid for my studies, I wouldn’t be now a professional Dance Artist. I’d like to sensitize immigrants to be open and keep an eye out for opportunities that might arise and to encourage them to believe that there is a possibility of fulfilling wishes that often seem unattainable.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being in a constant state of stimulation, both mental and physical. Not being stagnate on the present achievements and always reaching further to better and more fulfilling opportunities. Being creative and reinvent myself every time like a chameleon is what is for me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Being more involved as an audience. There are many opportunities of free events especially in New York City but unfortunately there is a misconception that dance is considered “boring” or just for an elitist group of people. I would suggest opening the horizons and discovering that dance can also be fun, emotional, and entertaining.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_colafrancesco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.colafrancesco
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Elyse Mertz, Nina Galicheva, Jerry Xu