Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Milteri Tucker Concepcion. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Milteri, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

A project that became a non for profit organization! I had just moved to New York City at 17 years old from Puerto Rico in 2000.On the subway a gentlemen asked me what time is it (as I used to wear wrist watch). I noticed he was Latine and I answered back with a question: “where do you think I’m from?” He proceeded to say Cuba, Panama, Dominican Republic…I don’t know where else? because you are certainly not Puerto Rican! So I asked why not? He replied- “You don’t look Puerto Rican” I asked what is a Puerto Rican supposed to look like? I followed with educating him as Caribbean people, there were enslaved brought from Africa to work in harsh conditions to the Island. There are black people in PR, Afro Boricuas and I am proud of that. I realized that many people were not aware of the beautiful African history the Island has. My creative practices a young emerging choreographer took a turn to highlight my blackness, mi negrura. I started teaching Free Bomba dance and drum classes to the south Bronx Community, my dance company grew and before I knew it my work expanded organically into a non profit organization with two dance companies- professional and Youth dance company, have an established curriculum, and community school and two yearly festivals: The BronxDance and Drum Festival- connects afrodiaporic dance companies and drummers from the Caribbean and Latin America and Bombazo in the Bronx-continues to provide space and unification with the Bomba Community in the tristate area and bridging to Puerto Rico. I am the author of the first bilingual Children’s Book Bomba Puertorriquena and have the 1st brand of bomba and Caribbean skirts Bombazo Wear Bomba Caribbean Skirts. Im serving my community through my art with yearly new researched -choreographed work, education and providing a safe place for the community to gather

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 was born and raised in Puerto Rico. For as long as I can remember I’ve been dancing in la Sala-the living room- with my family specifically my mother, aunt and grandmother. I love to dance, Bomba, Plena, Salsa-I love to move! And when I got older I entered the school for the performing arts in my home town in Ponce, Puerto Rico. I moved to NYC to quench my thirst in dance- I studied, performed, auditioned, and auditioned and auditioned.- I was not latina enough or black enough for certain type cast roles. I continued training, graduated with Bachelors degree in Dance, Biology andChemistry from Hunter College, obtained my Masters in dance Education from NYU. I decided to be me, and embrace my culture for me first, then for the world. I started creating and little by little continued to grow my brand as a creative and as an entrepreneur. While at Hunter, I met the Mother of Afro Caribbean Dance, the late Katherine Dunham. Her work has inspired me to research, choreograph and educate.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe society needs to start seeing artists and creatives at the same level as Doctors, Lawyers, Arquitects. In order to master our craft we must study, research, intern, and practice, practice, practice! As creatives we are necessary workers therefore we should have same salary as other professions and benefits as other professions. I think we need to know our worth, based on our expertise and experience. Not be shameful or apologetic or having to explain the why when it come to big numbers. We need to continue to pull together and advocate!

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

I get to wake up and work in my passion! I don’t mind if I have to wake up supper early or work late.Its my passion!!! Now being your own boss does not come easy- you have to work to achieve your goals. But at the end its all worth it- the end goal I believe is to inspire through your art people, your community and society as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bombazodanceco.com
• Instagram: @bombazodanceco
• Facebook: @bombazodanceco
• Twitter: @bombazodanceco
• Youtube: Bombazo Dance Co
• Other: www.bombacaribbeanskirts.com @bomba_caribbean_skirts