How did you start dancing?
A good friend and supporter of the company, Kara Monroe, was a ballerina when I was younger. I attended a small performance she did at the local mall, and I was interested. It wasn’t until I moved to NM that I got the chance. I was offered a scholarship at La Mesa Dance Academy and my career started.
Why do you dance?
I used to dance because I enjoyed it. Now, back from the war, it has grown into so much more. It has shown me its power to reach people’s hearts and minds. To connect people to memories and emotions. To teach and take people to far away lands. Art is a powerful tool.
What is the hardest part of being a dancer?
Convincing yourself everyday that you are viable. It takes as much work mentally as it does physically.
What is the best part of being a dancer?
Really reaching the audience. When they come up to you after a performance and tell you a story from their life that they connected with the performance. One audience member told me that the day before our performance she was going through letters of her fathers from WWII. She said the performance transported her deeper into the letters and her fathers experience. It’s amazing when art connects people like that.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my loved ones and friends. I really like scuba diving and riding my motorcycle.
What is something about you that no one knows?
I have had more jobs than I can remember. My first one was Kentucky Fried Chicken. I’ve worked at Used Car Dealerships, AOL, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Bakeries, A Stormwater Company, Dance Studios, as an Assistant Land Surveyor, a newspaper, at PBS, at a Virtual Reality Company...and more
What is your favorite indulgence?
Antiguan Rum, a good red wine, good food, cupcakes (eating one now)
What is something you learned as a dancer that would help other aspiring artists in their endeavors?
Things may never turn out exactly the way you want them. If you try really hard and never give up, you may come pretty darn close.
Grab a cup and learn more about:
Roman F. Baca II
Artistic Director
