Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Silvana Salazar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Silvana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve always been a very calculated person, who likes to know the “how” to make things happen. But at the same time being a dreamer and thinking big, expecting big things to happen to me, have always been a part of me too. I remember vividly watching New Years Eve (2011 movie) from the comfort of my couch in my hometown in Argentina, dreaming about one day moving to NYC to pursue performing arts. I could have never predicted the “how” the chain of events that brought me to New York City all the way from Tafí Viejo, Tucumán, Argentina. It was almost being ready when the opportunities came, or like the one stop you had to be at, and at the right time, in order to hop on the right train. It took several chances and knocking multiple doors just to be seen, heard, and be given a chance. And when it was time to show up, even though I never felt fully ready, I did it anyways. I have walked into audition rooms where the competition and the bar where very high. I showed up anyways. But I had something, that I’m working to get back now, I believed in myself. I loved performing, music and telling stories so much that it was enough to push through my fears and doubts.
After going to college twice, two scholarships and 4 visas, it’s now been 9 years plus of living in NYC. A city where one takes risks, and change is a constant in life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a New York based singer, dancer and actor originally from Argentina. My diverse background includes singing backup for Mariah Carey as part of her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” 2019 tour, produced by Hallmark Channel alongside the New York City Gospel Choir. I have starred as an ensemble dancer on the Warner Brothers’ motion picture film “In The Heights” directed by John M. Chu; and I’ve sung backups for Sir Leo Dan in his East Coast 2019 Tour. I also have a BA in Communication Science and Journalism from the National University of Tucumán (U.N.T), Argentina. I moved to New York City in 2014 to continue my education in theatre and music. In addition to the arts, I take pride in spreading my culture teaching Spanish and music to kids with Bilingual Birdies Co. In 2019 I started working with children facing life-threatening illnesses, offering music, arts, theater activities lessons as an outlet for creativity, socialization, and joy with Riprap Friends, a NYC organization that facilitates in-home therapeutic services while a child is undergoing medical treatment for cancer. Other interests include composing, writing, fitness and health, personal development, traveling and the power of positive thinking.
Is there anything you would have liked to know when you started your journey?
Quite frankly, I would have loved to have had practical financial education from either high school or college, or find an American institution of learning that is teaching people how to balance a budget, pay bills, taxes, how to use a savings account, and investing in the long run. Alike most of us, and specially being an immigrant, I had to learn everything (and still am!) through experiences, google, the advice of friends and from many setbacks as well. Balancing being an artist and living in NYC is incredibly challenging. The cost of living is very high, and having multiple sources of income while supporting your career (through at least 2 jobs) is quite the norm in between contracts. I think it would have been super useful to be more knowledgeable about all of this when I graduated from college. I think my creative journey would have benefit so much from having had more financial abilities early on.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I could type for days about this haha. Resilience is the biggest muscle you’ll have to train if you spend enough time here in NYC. Most nothing is ever given, but earned. You are being tested constantly, daily. From living a fast paced lifestyle where every minute counts, while pursuing goals, dreams, giving your very best (if possible), trying to have some time for personal life and rest, it can be a lot, definitely not for everyone. As a performer, you will face rejection over and over again. But I think one wins once you understand to take nothing personally, be kind any opportunity you have, stay grateful, communicate clear and be open to dialog. Also…have faith, usually it’s a matter of not giving up, and allowing things to unfold at the right timing, while intentionally putting the daily work and helping others along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvana.salazarss/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLH-IOcdaN1aVh_Usxhf2Ow
Image Credits
The photos in Times Square are taken by Kuba R (IG: https://www.instagram.com/kubarphoto/). The rest are all personal photos or who’s credits I don’t know.