Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jorge Casco. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jorge, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I learned to do what I do through failing & experiences.
What I could’ve done to speed up my learning process? Nothing, you have to put the time to work on your craft, you have to go to the ups and downs to mold you into being a great creative and great businessman especially in my position, I need to be both.
The skill that was most essential for me was being patient. Patience is a virtue, knowing that you’re destined for greatness but just waiting to get all the tools that you need to succeed.
The obstacles that stood in my way were really myself wanting things that I wasn’t ready for. Expecting things to happen for me just because of who I was, not knowing that giving more of my self created ways for me to learn and get the tools that I needed instead of expecting for people to do things for me. Creating avenues for me to move in and creating lanes that other people won’t give to me. Creating answers to problems versus creating problems.
I stood in my own way and blocked my blessings, being stubborn and thinking that I knew everything but I had to humble myself and learn how to give versus receive. Having a positive attitude and finding solutions to problems allowed me to grow. Sometimes we look at things and say to ourselves “I’m just being real “ or “I’m telling you this bad thing is gonna happen “ I trust my gut but a lot of times we’re just really negative because things aren’t happening in our life the way we want them to. I listen to everyone’s point of view but I try not to let any one person influence me. I take the best from everyone and then make my decisions.
Jorge, 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?
The short answer: I came in as an intern and worked my way up to owner.
How I got Into this industry by seeing a performance from FLY Dance Company At Miller Outdoor Theatre. I didn’t know that you could dance and make it a career. I didn’t grow up going to the theatre or going to ballet’s. Soon after I saw them perform at my brother’s middle school I made contact with the founder Kathy Wood and asked her to help my group at a talent show.
At first she said no because she didn’t have any time but I was persistent and I got her to agree. We ended up winning that talent competition. Soon after she invited me to come watch FLY Dance Company rehearse. I understudied for a year and as soon as I graduated high school I started touring nationally and internationally.
We offer family friendly entertainment via full length evening shows & enrichment programs.
We bring diversity, high quality programming, and help companies connect with the community and bridge the gap if there’s a disconnect.
For example our Breakin’ Ballet and Breakin’ Classical concepts are designed with the intent to bring more diversity to the organizations that collaborate with us. The Missouri Symphony booked Breakin’ Classical for their 2021 season and they had a 75% increase in minority attendance during our performance. We offer clean shows for all ages. I found out during our zoom meetings that the maestro wanted to work with the local detention center but didn’t know what program to send out or how it would make sense. I suggested that we go on the symphonies behalf & they agreed. We performed our Healthy Hip-Hop show where we gave a history lesson of its NY origins, the four elements of Hip-Hop MC.DJ, Breakers(Dancers), Graffiti Art, gave a dance performance set to classical music and concluded with a motivational speech about believing in oneself. Youth and staff at the center took to it right away. Audiences from different classes, demographics, and backgrounds enjoy it because they see a representation of themselves on stage.
What sets us apart from everyone is that FLY might not be the best fit for every potential client. We require excellence from our partners and collaborators. We are humble but we know our worth. Our work speaks for itself. From working with symphonic orchestras, ballet companies, global corporations, to small businesses, small organizations, schools, libraries and nonprofits. We look for companies and organizations that believe in our mission and have a heart for the community.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
An example of my resiliency is FLY recovering from the pandemic. Majority of our contracts were terminated, rescheduled , all of our events were canceled, and our money was lost for nearly a year and a half as a result of the pandemic. The nation was in turmoil . Our company was struggling.
Everybody on our team from the directors to the performers were all dealing with personal issues. The weight of the company has always been on my shoulders. But this time it was different and for a while there I hit a wall. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. I had to refocus my strategy. With the help of my beautiful partner Margaret Pena I bounced back and refocused my strategy. I looked at the business and saw the weak points, and what needed to be replaced.
I knew that I had to start from the top then work my way down in order for this company to prosper. I had to put action behind my complaints. I looked in the mirror and it started with myself. New attitude, lifestyle, mind set, all positive with no room for negativity. For about a year I cut off all distractions and focused on reviving the business. Calling and emailing hundreds even thousands of people, countless hours of rejection & uncertainty due to the state of the world but I didn’t give up. Slowly I started seeing results, people responding & contacting us for work. At the moment we’re working on a few deals that could change our life’s and get FLY members job security for many years to come. Once the ink is dry, FLY will make an announcement. What I can say now is that we’re continuing to work in the community, collaborating with Symphonic orchestras and Ballet companies all over the globe.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Consistency and enhancing our performances each year, in my opinion, helped us establish a reputation in our market. Being polite to others, both on and off the dance floor, and treating everyone with respect and love is especially important at venues. Because entertainers and dance companies have a reputation for being impolite, we make an effort to treat everyone with respect, be on time, and be prepared to work. Not just walk in and start criticizing people for everything. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty and helping the stage crew if I need something done.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flydancecompany.com
- Instagram: @flydancecompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlyDanceCompany
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fly-dance-company/
- Twitter: @flydancecompany
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv7BaevB4GVXqc4HuD3P0Pg