Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Ramirez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
I’ve only been working in the United States for just under one year following my graduation at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). But very quickly I found myself on set for a short film anthology series titled Give Me An A! It is taking the world by storm, and there is no surprise why. I was lucky enough to work with creative Natasha Halevi, the leader of this project and director of our short Cheerleader Wraparound. This was my first dollar earned as a creative here! This was the perfect job to start my career, I was so lucky to be surrounded by so many powerful women in production and performance. Give Me An A: Cheerleader Wraparound really opened my eyes to how much is possible when passion is at the forefront of your work, and I am very thankful for that.
Vanessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi Reader! My name is Vanessa Ramirez and I am a Performing Artist from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada now in LA! I am a dancer, a choreographer, and an actor! I started my career dancing competitively from the ages of 5 to 18 years old. When I was 15, I took the leap to start choreographing my own solo routines and instantly fell in love with creating. As a choreographer I am so inspired by dance being a universal language, it allows for infinite possibilities to express my big imagination. This is also how I fell in love with acting! It’s so special to step in to a new world within our own, and I love that I get to share it with my fellow performers and the audience. Oh, the audience. I am always an audience member first. I’ve been so lucky to see so many incredible movies, broadway musicals, tv shows, etc., and it leaves me motivated each time to do better and be better. And so I work towards my projects leaving audiences inspired to do the same.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Podcasts. I fought them for a little bit because I didn’t understand the notion of listening to someone else’s casual conversation, until I found they’re anything but that! It’s real experiences from some of the best creative artists. My favorites right now are Smartless, Anything Goes, Vulnerable, and The Squeeze. This profession can feel lonely at times in this stage of my career. You’re on your own path, everything is new, projects come and go, but nobody knows that better than other artists. Many of the guests on these shows are my role models, and so to listen to their struggles and triumphs is very moving.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
When I was younger, I was always thankful for the people who would listen. I’ve always felt this intense pull towards art, so whenever I was given the opportunity to perform or create I jumped at the chance. I am very thankful to the people who lifted me up when they could. One of the things I love about teaching dance in that sense, is seeing my students grow from the start to the end of class. I believe that giving back is amplifying the voices of your community when you have the power to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: Coming Soon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessarxmirez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessarxmirez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessarxmirez/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanessarxmirez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCAOiPKyA-C7DIUbUoLezg
Image Credits
Wes Klain