We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nancy Rivera Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nancy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?
Honestly, this is a question I’ve been asked a lot. I started dancing in a small town in Mexico where the dance scene was very green. We weren’t taught how to listen to music or dance from the soul; it was more about counts and appearance. Technique wasn’t emphasized; it was more recreational. Even though I began dancing recreationally at a young age in my town, it wasn’t until I moved to LA at 19 that I realized there was so much more I didn’t know. I hadn’t danced in big cities in Mexico before, maybe just one intensive. I didn’t know backup dancers existed or about auditions for TV. I was incredibly inexperienced, but that innocence helped me learn everything from scratch in the competitive city. However, as time passed, I became more anxious and felt defeated because I knew I was far behind for my age. Fifteen-year-old girls and boys were excelling, while I was just getting started, so I had to work three times harder. I had no knowledge of dance conventions, competitions, or the variety of dance styles. Looking back, it’s crazy that I wanted to become a professional dancer. But hey, here I am, doing it. Sometimes, I wonder what would have happened if I started earlier or if my mom had taken me to the big city sooner. But that didn’t happen, and I’m proud of overcoming the obstacles. Mentors would tell me I was stubborn and suggest exploring other options, but I stayed stubborn, and it became my best asset for success. My family always supported me, sometimes having more faith in me than I had in myself. I owe them everything for my journey of perseverance. I booked my first big job at 26, and it’s still going. I wasn’t signed until last year, and though my progress has been slower than most of my friends, I’m proud of my journey. I value every experience even more due to my maturity and assertiveness at my age. So, while I sometimes wish I started earlier, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’ve built a lot of character in the process.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Well, my name is Nancy Rivera, and I’m originally from Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 19 to pursue my dance career and study at a university in California. Once my English was proficient, I enrolled at Santa Monica College to earn my AA Degree in Dance, then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where I majored in Dance and minored in Entrepreneurship. Throughout college, I attended industry classes in my free time to make connections, despite being a beginner. Graduating during the pandemic was bittersweet, as my family couldn’t attend due to COVID-19 restrictions, but they had been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. I stayed in the States during the pandemic to build my portfolio and secure sponsors for my artist visa, which required three sponsors and letters of recommendation within a year. Despite skepticism from many lawyers, I found one who believed in me and successfully obtained my visa in March 2021. Soon after, I embarked on my first world tour with Don Omar, appeared in music videos for J Balvin and Wisin & Yandel, and continued to work with artists like Nicky Nicole and Nathy Peluso. In 2023, I joined Nicky Jam’s world tour and performed at the Latin Billboards with Bad Bunny, all without an agency until the end of 2023. Auditions for these tours were highly competitive, with hundreds of hopefuls vying for just a few spots, but I persevered. In between jobs, I explored dance fitness, which also contributed to my visa sponsorship. I’ve since been involved in various dance fitness projects, including creating programs for Heat Dance Company and currently instructing at Free by Shantel Movement as a Reggaeton Dance Fitness instructor. Additionally, I’m working on my own business, LEMOVE, which encompasses fitness and dance. I take pride in infusing everything I do with passion, cultural expression, energy, charisma, and expertise. Check out www.lemovefit.com to book your sessions and experience the fusion of fitness in various environments and dance firsthand.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn multiple times is relying too much on others’ opinions when making decisions, which led me to overthink and self-sabotage. When I first arrived in LA, I was an independent thinker who trusted my gut and wasn’t afraid to take risks. However, as I matured, I became indecisive and fearful, despite having more knowledge and tools at my disposal. I struggled with deep depression for three years, feeling stuck in my career and life, constantly seeking ways to unlock my potential to no avail. I felt unworthy and never ready for anything. It’s been the toughest challenge I’ve faced. To this day, I’m still working to unlearn this mindset. I’ve realized that I simply need to take action, even if it’s imperfect or unstable. Life surprised me when I started betting on myself, leading to more job opportunities. Life is a roller coaster, with ups and downs. When I’m down, I take small steps to face my fears. Though I’m not perfect at it, the end of last year marked significant progress, as I learned to be grateful for what I’ve accomplished rather than focusing on what’s still missing. Finding contentment in the present is crucial, especially in an industry that always demands more. Maintaining that balance is key to feeling successful, as success is subjective and unique to each individual. Ultimately, I’ve learned to trust my decisions, recognizing that no one else, not even the experts, can walk in my shoes. Listen to them, take notes, try different approaches, but in the end, you’re the one steering the ship. Trust yourself, and it will lead to greatness in your life.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Unfortunately, in the entertainment industry, everything is opinion-based: votes, audiences, claps, scores, and trophies. With the rise of social media, opinions validate your skill, appearance, and value 24/7. It’s tough! I’ve witnessed offensive comments directed at dancers and artists by people who aren’t even part of the industry. Society feels entitled to voice damaging opinions that can affect someone’s mental health. Even within the industry, dancers have little voice when it comes to sets, jobs, and artists. We’re at the bottom of the ladder, yet we pour everything into our performances, often sacrificing financially while delivering top-notch quality. There should be more moral and financial support for dancers. Entertainment isn’t valued as it should be worldwide, though the United States is better in this regard, which is why you see dancers from all over sacrificing to come here. Dancers in their own countries are often great but undervalued. It’s disheartening. If you can’t help financially, at least support artists with a smile, by sharing their posts, and cheering for each other. Human connection is vital; it’s about how we treat others and nourish our souls. We’re spiritual beings here to evolve with love, respect, and hard work. We’re individuals sharing this journey, striving to help each other live our best lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nfrg.mx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyriveragz?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-rivera-gomez-b2123018a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhhYM96LJmfDiAqeS-MeGA
- Other: business website: www.lemovefit.com business instagram: @lemovefit
Image Credits
john kiefer @johnkiefer victoria rivera gomez @victoriariveragz Amily Tran @aimes.creative