Bio

My work is inspired by influential Latine leaders. The first inspiration was my mom, Diana Orozco-Garrett, who is the strongest Latina I know. Standing tall at 4’ 10”, my mother is filled with integrity, wit, compassion, and the belief that justice is possible. Everything I’ve learned in life, I owe to her. As I grew older, I was introduced through literature to other influential Latinas such as Chavela Vargas, Julia de Burgos, Cherríe Moraga, Nancy Morejón, Gloria Anzaldúa, Rosario Castellanos, and many more. I was swept away by their language, craft, and strength. They proved to me the power of integrity, and they opened a door into the world of the far too often ignored and erased history of powerful Latines. My art focuses on honoring and celebrating the lives of these influential leaders.

Dance provides an immense platform to the creator. With this responsibility, I believe it is important for the choreographer to consider what message they are sending through their work. Therefore, clarity and specificity are vital in order to create intentional work. Within the medium of dance-making, there are many opportunities for the choreographer to have control and make educated decisions that will support the message of the piece. I strive to make dances that give the audience an impactful and clear message. 

In order to complete this goal, research, revision, and collaboration are vital. Research occurs in and out of the studio. When working on a project, I immerse myself in the past and current narratives about the subject. I turn to literature, interviews, film, music, and visual art to inform my process. Then, I use movement to interpret and convey my message. Just like the writing process, dance-making requires revision after revision to arrive at a finished product. And even at that point, I feel that dances can always be revisited and revised again. Revision is rewatching the work and asking myself at each point if the moment is necessary to the story and if it is interesting to watch. I also ask for feedback from peers and experts to look at my work objectively and with new eyes. Collaboration is vital to my creative process. In the words of Mariame Kaba, “everything worthwhile is done with other people.” I believe the convergence of perspectives and experiences elevates an art piece and makes it more relatable to the audience. It has been my experience that involving the dancers and other collaborators in conversation about the goal and intention of the work creates a successful production. 

I create because I believe in the power of art; it can inspire, transform, comfort, and empower.