We were lucky to catch up with Marilou Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marilou, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was performing at the Brooklyn Museum’s Brooklyn Artists Ball, followed shortly after by dancing as a lead performer at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for its Commemorating Juneteenth program with Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet.

The Brooklyn Artists Ball was a pivotal moment for me — being invited to perform in such a major cultural institution, surrounded by artists, creators, and supporters of the arts, was both inspiring and humbling. It was a space where dance was celebrated not only as performance, but as contemporary art.

Soon after, I performed as a lead dancer at BAM during its Juneteenth celebration, a deeply emotional and powerful event. I had the opportunity to appear in multiple works that paid tribute to freedom, memory, and cultural legacy. It was a reminder of how dance can carry social weight and tell stories that resonate far beyond the stage.

Earlier in my journey, I was awarded several individual dance prizes and merit-based scholarships. These early recognitions helped shape the artist I’ve become, giving me the confidence and opportunity to grow toward moments like Brooklyn Museum and BAM — projects that connect personal passion with broader meaning.

Marilou, 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?

My name is Marilou Perez, and I’m a French dance artist currently based in New York City. I trained in France from a young age and received multiple national awards and honors for excellence in jazz and character dance. Driven by a desire to grow artistically and work internationally, I moved to New York to study at The Ailey School, and later won support from the Mayer Foundation to support my work in the arts.

Since graduating, I’ve built a career performing with several notable New York-based companies. I currently work with Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet and Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre, two companies known for their artistic innovation and cultural relevance. Through these collaborations, I’ve been part of projects that carry deep social and emotional significance.

Some of the most meaningful moments in my career include performing at the Brooklyn Museum during the prestigious Brooklyn Artists Ball, and dancing as a lead performer at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for their Juneteenth celebration, a powerful event honoring African-American history and freedom. I’ve also taken part in internationally respected works such as the Table of Silence Project, a tribute to peace at Lincoln Center, and repertory performances inspired by Merce Cunningham’s choreographic language.

What sets me apart as a dancer is my ability to blend strong technical foundation with emotional storytelling. I adapt across styles, from contemporary and modern to theatrical and classical forms, and always seek to connect with the heart of the work I perform. I’m committed to using dance not only as performance, but as a tool for communication, healing, and transformation.

I’m proud of the path I’ve taken — from small-town stages in France to iconic venues in New York — and of the integrity I bring to each project. I hope to continue growing as an artist and contributing to work that inspires, educates, and uplifts audiences around the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I moved to New York from France to pursue my career in dance, I arrived alone in a new country, with no support system, limited English, and the pressure of succeeding in one of the most competitive cities in the world. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment, balancing intense training at The Ailey School, and surviving financially was incredibly challenging. But I never lost sight of my purpose. I worked tirelessly, and said yes to every performance opportunity that came my way.

One of the hardest moments came when I faced a serious injury during a critical rehearsal period. Instead of stepping back, I adapted my training and showed up every day. That dedication led to some of my most meaningful performances later on, including dancing at the Brooklyn Museum and BAM. Resilience, for me, has been about staying grounded in the vision, even when the path is unclear or unstable.

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

The most rewarding aspect is being able to move people through my work. Dance is a universal language, and when I perform, I feel deeply connected to both myself and the audience. Moments when people come up after a show and tell me they felt seen, or understood, or inspired — that’s everything.

Being an artist also gives me the privilege of continuous self-exploration. I grow not only as a performer but as a person through every project, whether it’s a large-scale production like the Table of Silence or an intimate rehearsal space with Salvatore LaRussa Dance Theatre. There’s something sacred in creating with others, in channeling emotion into motion, and knowing that I’m contributing beauty and depth to the world, even in small doses.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Marilouperezdanse