We’re looking forward to introducing you to Annette Barcelona. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Annette, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently bought myself a guitar and started teaching myself how to play. Now I am a few months into weekly lessons, and I cannot express the joy it has brought to my life, the healing it has perpetuated, despite how challenging it is. I play everyday.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am proud to live the life of an artist (dancer, teacher, choreographer); a life lived with passion, creativity, and doing what I love everyday. There is not a day that goes by where I lack gratitude for the hard work and dicspline I have invested in pursuit of my passion resulting in a successful career that I cherish most.
After dancing professionally in regional ballet companies, I pursued an MFA degree from The Florida State University’s School of Dance and a BFA in Dance Education from Brenau University to further my career in performing, education and choreography.
I am currently in my 10th year at The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), where I am the Department Chair of Dance. I could not be more proud about the incredible dance program I have built with my colleagues over the years. We offer a rigorous curriculum based in classical ballet and modern dance, promising that every student will graduate audition ready for post-secondary, college, and careers in dance.
In addition to my responsibilities leading one of the top public school dance programs in the nation, I am an ABT® Certified Teacher and a lecturer at San Diego State University in the School for Teacher Education. I
travel nationally for master classes and choreographic commissions for ballet studios, regional companies, universities and schools.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father. He always believed in me, my creativity, my work ethic, and that I would live a fruitful life as an artist. Naturally, I doubted myself along the way, he never did.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I have choreographed professionally for over ten years, and the most recent project I have been working on since April is arguably the most vulnerable I have ever been as an artist. After suffering a devastating heartbreak, I had no choice but to find a way to heal and make sense of it through choreography. Throughout the process, I have faced the visceral pain, emotions, and grief head first. The ballet will premiere in November at SDSCPA, and I would be lying if I wasn’t scared about just how real, raw, and vulnerable the piece is. Sharing my pain feels powerful and human.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My relationships. The ability to talk deeply about life and connect with others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
In the morning, sipping a cup of coffee, journaling and mentally preparing myself for the day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annettebarcelona.net
- Instagram: @sdscpadanceofficial
Image Credits
Dena Meeder
