We were lucky to catch up with Marlon Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marlon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was nine years old, I auditioned for a children’s television show in my native Venezuela and I was hired. The show was called Mini Pops, and it featured young dancers, actors, and singers. The demanding nature of a syndicated program required me to develop discipline and self-motivation that has been with me throughout my life.

Mini Pops hosted international artists. I remember seeing global super stars like John Travolta and Celia Cruz, walking the hallways backstage, looking spectacular and ready to bring the house down. These types of encounters always left me in awe.

The children in the show were expected to demonstrate the same level of professionalism as the big, adult stars. Recently I found a note the director wrote to me 32 years ago on the first anniversary of the show. In it she said, “Marlon remember all my advice so you get to be old. Work more every day and never waiver.”

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?

As the Executive Director of North Carolina Arts in Action (NC AIA), I lead an innovative education program that uses dance and live music as vehicles to help children in elementary schools uncover their own potential. NC AIA motivates children to believe in themselves by providing an environment with professional expectations, and the nurturing and encouragement to develop a personal standard of excellence in students. The program partners with schools across Durham, Wake, Orange and Chatham counties. Approximately 1600 students are dancing and learning with NC AIA this year.

NC AIA’s off-the-chart intelligent Board of Directors and highly talented and driven staff are committed to bringing the program to more schools. We’re entering an exciting year for NC AIA. We are doubling down on our fundraising efforts to sustain our expansion over the next three years. On April 22 of 2023, we will host a gala in support of NC AIA at the North Carolina Museum of Art starting at 6:00 p.m. Last year we raised $110,000 to support the 18 programs across Wake, Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties. This year, we are poised to double our results. We partner with foundations, businesses, individuals, and school systems to sustain our programs. All of us at NC AIA are beyond grateful to our funding partners who believe in empowering children through the performing arts.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What motivates me at work and continues to nurture my creative sense, is seeing the effects of good teaching techniques in action. NC AIA classes transform children by helping them become better learners. Independent evaluation studies of our programs show that participating children do better in math and social studies and develop better attitudes about school and exercise. I have seen students go from being shy to confident in as little as one Arts in Action session.

Our organization attracts marvelous teaching artist professionals. These are individuals who are experienced in dance and music, who are extensively trained in our pedagogy, and who want to make a measurable impact in the lives of children with limited access to performing arts education. Our in-school program is designed to provide every child the opportunity to be successful, to feel successful, and to be challenged in a safe environment where taking chances and risks is both encouraged and celebrated. It can be intimidating for anyone to perform in front of peers, but NC AIA’s unique teaching approach brings out the best in both students and their classroom teachers, lifting everyone’s spirits as a result and helping build stronger and richer school communities.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Artists and nonprofits like NC AIA are a corner stone of a strong and healthy community, and they fulfill the needs that our government cannot address. I am humbled everyday by the trust that foundations, businesses, and individuals place on NC Arts in Action and the artists we work with, and for their contributions in support of our creative work. People living in the Triangle area in NC have demonstrated an important commitment to philanthropy and support of creative organizations, and the level of giving is truly inspiring. As a nonprofit leader, I want to continue to earn our donors’ trust so that we can serve more students in more schools and provide the best in arts education. Hands on activities like NC AIA are key for nurturing the whole child. Dance, music, art, cooking, sewing, theatre, woodworking, these are so important for children to have access to in and after school. The best way to support creative ecosystems is through planning and funding.

Our funding partners are helping give children opportunities to discover themselves, to learn and wonder, and to uncover possible career opportunities. NC AIA is much more than just dance classes with live music. We offer our participants a positive focus, meaningful connections with friends and teachers, and an environment that promotes the hope, resilience, and practical skills required to overcome life’s challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: ncartsinaction.org
• Instagram: northcarolinaartsinaction
• Facebook: NCArtsinAction
• Linkedin: north-carolina-arts-in-action
• Twitter: northcarolinaartsinaction.

Image Credits
Photos by Ken Demery Photography