On Celebrating 10 years from Vanessa Valecillos, dancer, co-founder and assistant to the Artistic Director

Posted January 26, 2009 8:36 AM in Artist Voices, On the Horizon

I have to say that it has been a great 10 years for me personally. Not just being a dancer here, but being a founder member means a lot to me. I think it is amazing how far we have gotten in the 10 years that Luna Negra has been around. I vividly remember when the company started. We didn't have an office or funds. It was all done by Eduardo and the office was the second bedroom of his apartment. Now we have this beautiful office and a full Board of Directors, 12 dancers, an Artistic Team and a staff team as well. It feels good- actually great, everytime I think about how it all got started and where we are now. We have grown, but there is a lot more growing for this company in the years to come. I think that this is really the beginning of a new era for the company.

I have changed tremendously while being here. I am a dancer but I am also Assistant to the Artistic Director. Now I get to see what goes on in the office and everything makes sense. I have learned to see the big picture instead of just what we want to see as dancers.  This has not only helped me professionally, but also personally.  I am able to see myself as one part of the larger whole.
I have been given many opportunities in this company, and for that I am very grateful to Eduardo and the Board of Directors. I feel that with every oportunity I am given whether on stage or not, I mature and keep on growing as a person. I have learned not to take things for granted, but appreciate every second of whatever I am doing, specially on stage. It is a gift to be able to express myself through movement and reach out to our audiences of all ages and culture, not only in Chicago, but in every city that we get the chance to perform.

I would love to see the company being recognized for the talent of all its members not only national but internationally.  And if we keep on staying true to our mission and vision which we are, it will happen sooner than later.  I am very proud to be a part of this organization and I would love to take this chance to congratulate Eduardo on all his hard work to get the company to where it is now.