We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mathilde Guerrero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mathilde below.
Alright, Mathilde thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
As an artist and creative, I can confidently say that I am happy with my chosen path. The ability to have a profound impact on “regular” crowds of people through my art brings me immense joy. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work has the power to touch people’s lives and evoke emotions.
However, there are moments when I do miss having a regular job with a structured routine. The nature of being a creative means that my sleep schedule is often erratic, and I can’t always predict what my schedule will look like in the coming weeks. Last-minute opportunities or unexpected changes can disrupt plans and make it challenging to establish a consistent routine, which can be detrimental to my overall health and well-being.
Despite these occasional challenges, I wouldn’t trade my artistic career for anything else. The curiosity and love for various things that reside within me are perfectly suited for the creative realm. Being able to pursue my passions and express myself artistically is a privilege that I deeply cherish.
While I acknowledge the desire for a more predictable routine, the fulfillment and sense of purpose I derive from being a creative outweigh any fleeting thoughts about a regular job. I find solace in the fact that my work is driven by passion and an unwavering love for what I do.
In order to navigate the unique challenges of the artistic world, it’s important for me to strike a balance between embracing the freedom and unpredictability of my career while also prioritizing my well-being. Taking care of myself, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support from fellow artists or professionals in the field are crucial aspects of my journey as an artist.
Ultimately, being aware of my own needs, making choices that align with my values, and finding ways to establish stability within the creative realm will contribute to a more fulfilling and sustainable artistic career.
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?
Hello, readers! My name is Mathilde Guerrero, and I’d love to share my journey with you. I was born and raised in the south of France, where I discovered my love for dance at a young age. Starting at my local dance school, I quickly realized that dance was more than just a hobby for me—it became a true passion. I approached it with a level of dedication and seriousness that set me apart from my peers.
As an introvert growing up, I found that the stage was my sanctuary. It was through movement that I could truly express myself, finding a voice that I struggled to find through words alone. With this realization, I knew that pursuing dance professionally was my calling.
In 2015, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York to further my dance education at the prestigious Ailey School. The journey was challenging, but I was awarded a scholarship that helped me through my training. I graduated in 2018, equipped with the skills and determination to carve out a career as a professional dancer in the bustling dance scene of New York City.
Throughout my career, I’ve constantly pushed myself to be resilient and versatile. I firmly believe that a great dancer is one who is well-rounded and adaptable. To achieve this, I dedicated myself to intense training, attending countless auditions, taking classes with industry leaders, and constantly expanding my network.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to embrace different styles and genres of dance. I’ve worked hard to become as versatile as possible, and this has allowed me to take on a wide range of projects. From performing with a ballet/tango company to booking a commercial for BMW as a contemporary dancer, from dancing with Cirque Eloize to performing as a hip-hop dancer for the US Open, and even participating in an immersive dance theatrical performance for IBM in Miami—I’ve been fortunate to experience various aspects of the industry.
However, these accomplishments didn’t come without dedication and relentless pursuit of improvement. I’ve always had big dreams and never settled for being “good enough.” I strive to be better every day, knowing that hard work is the only way to achieve the extraordinary. In the competitive dance industry, luck is not something we rely on. It’s about passion, setting goals, working tirelessly, and daring to dream bigger.
Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by signing with BLOC agency. This is a monumental accomplishment for me as it reflects the culmination of my hard work and dedication to my craft.
As you consider working with me or following my journey, I want you to know that I bring a unique blend of resilience, versatility, and unwavering passion to everything I do. I am committed to continually expanding my skills, exploring new artistic avenues, and pushing the boundaries of my own potential.
Whether you’re a potential client or follower, I want to inspire you to pursue your passions with relentless determination. Believe in your dreams, work hard to achieve them, and never stop dreaming bigger. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of dance and strive to make a lasting impact on the world.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I believe that the most rewarding aspect of being a dancer is the profound ability to touch people’s lives through movement and performance.
When I step onto the stage, I am aware of the transformative power that dance holds. It’s a language that transcends barriers, communicating emotions, stories, and experiences in a way that words often cannot. As dancers, we have the unique opportunity to convey the human experience through our bodies, allowing audiences to connect with us on a deeply emotional level.
The moments when I witness the impact of my dancing on others are truly special. It could be the sight of someone moved to tears by a poignant performance, the smiles and applause from an enthusiastic audience, or the conversations and connections formed after a show. These interactions reaffirm the significance of dance in people’s lives and remind me of the immense power of artistic expression.
It is rewarding to know that through my movement, I can inspire, uplift, and provoke thought in others. Dance has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions—joy, sadness, awe, empathy—and being able to evoke such visceral responses is a privilege.
Moreover, the shared experience of live performance creates a sense of unity and connection among performers and audience members alike. In those moments, we come together as a community, experiencing a collective catharsis and a shared appreciation for the beauty of dance.
Whether it’s through a choreographed piece that tells a narrative or an abstract exploration of movement, the impact of dance can be profound and transformative. It has the power to ignite passion, spark conversations, and inspire individuals to embrace their own creativity.
In essence, the most rewarding aspect of being a dancer is the knowledge that my artistry has the potential to touch and move people, to leave a lasting impression, and to contribute to the rich tapestry of human connection. It is through dance that I am able to create moments of beauty, vulnerability, and understanding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this gift with others.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a pivotal moment in my dance journey when I realized the detrimental effects of constantly comparing myself to other dancers. It created a sense of self-doubt and hindered my ability to fully embrace my own unique style, artistry, and potential.
Once I made the conscious decision to stop comparing myself to others, everything changed. I recognized that each dancer has their own journey, strengths, and artistic voice. I realized that my path as a dancer is unique and should be celebrated rather than diminished by comparison.
By redirecting my focus inward, I began to embrace my individuality and appreciate the unique qualities I bring to my dance. I stopped seeking validation from external sources and started valuing my own growth, progress, and artistic expression.
This shift in mindset allowed me to step into my own power and fully embrace my authentic self as a dancer. I started to trust my instincts, explore new movement possibilities, and take creative risks without the fear of not measuring up to others.
Not comparing myself to other dancers also opened up opportunities for collaboration and learning. Instead of feeling threatened by their talents, I started to view them as sources of inspiration and motivation. I learned from their strengths and incorporated new elements into my own dance vocabulary, all while staying true to my unique style.
By letting go of comparison, I discovered a deep sense of fulfillment and joy in my dance career. I focused on personal growth, setting my own goals, and celebrating my own progress rather than constantly comparing myself to others’ achievements.
This pivotal shift allowed me to approach auditions and performances with a renewed sense of confidence and authenticity. I embraced the freedom to explore my own artistic voice, pushing boundaries, and discovering new facets of my dance artistry.
I encourage you, as a dancer, to embrace your individual journey, celebrate your unique style, and define success on your own terms. Stop comparing yourself to others and instead focus on your personal growth, artistic expression, and the joy that dance brings you. By doing so, you will experience a transformative pivot in your dance career, unleashing your full potential and creating a more fulfilling and authentic path as a dancer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mathildeguerrero_
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Image Credits
Diego G., Steven Vandervelden