Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Yvette Gonzalez.
Hi Valeria Yvette, having you on the platform is an honor. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m Valeria, born in El Paso and raised in Juarez, Mexico. The rich duality of my upbringing informed my life’s work: to explore women’s narratives through dance and provide a safe, empowering space for women and non-binary individuals. My classical ballet journey took me from Guadalajara to Montreal and then to NYC, where I honed my craft at institutions like The Ailey School and participated in numerous dance intensives worldwide. While in NYC, I pursued dance and ventured into media, working for Time Out Magazine and NBC New York local news. However, my most significant milestone was founding my dance theater company, VALLETO, in 2014. For a decade, VALLETO has been a contemporary dance theater company that challenges oppressive systems and supports women and non-binary liberation. We strive to inspire and reshape the dance landscape by showcasing its transformative power and now here in Austin. Besides leading VALLETO, I’ve produced extensive performances and coordinated large teams to bring my artistic vision to life. My academic pursuits led me to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I earned my MFA in Dance and Pedagogy in 2018. My thesis delved deep into the female body’s representation, sexuality, and identity in dance, drawing inspiration from feminist trailblazers like Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Carolee Scheemann. My art invites viewers to be present and reflective, allowing them to unearth memories or gain new perspectives. I take immense pride in infusing my Mexican heritage into my work, collaborating with Latinx talents for VALLETO’s bi-annual intensives and performances. And most importantly, establishing VALLETO as a healing platform. Now based in Austin, I’m unveiling two new pieces: “Eternal Bonds .1” by VALLETO, debuting on November 4th, and “Eternal Bonds .2”, where I am a guest choreographer. This is a collaborative effort with students from the University of Texas at Austin, premiering on November 10th.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road I’ve traveled in my career, like many, has been punctuated with highs and lows. Growing up, I always felt different from others in my hometown, drawn to aspirations that transcended borders. Dance became my refuge, a realm of pure freedom, connection, and raw self-expression. Certainly, there have been setbacks. I’ve grappled with educators whose stringent standards and critiques sent me spiraling into self-doubt, especially regarding my weight and my craft. Physical injuries tested my resilience as I danced through the pain, refusing to be sidelined. Yet, each hurdle made my passion burn brighter. While dance remains my anchor, my curiosity led me to the expansive fields of film, photography, production, and journalism. They’ve beautifully complemented and enriched my artistic pursuits. A persistent challenge has been finding a sustainable foundation for VALLETO. Securing grants and funding has proven elusive, compelling me to self-produce my shows for the past decade. I hope to secure the resources needed for VALLETO to flourish truly, amplifying our reach and impact.
I am holding a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to be able to pay all the hard-working artists behind “Eternal Bonds .1 “All the donations are tax-deductible, and the link can be found here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/valleto2020/help-valleto-stay-in-austin and for tickets to our show here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eternal-bonds-part-1-tickets-724011406607.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear multiple hats: Dance Artist, Choreographer, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur, and Dance Teacher. My forte lies within the vast spectrum of Contemporary Dance. This spans composition, mentorship for budding dance students, improvisation, floorwork, and various techniques that have sculpted my unique movement language. Beyond choreography, I have a passion for producing – orchestrating performances, intensives, workshops, and more to democratize access to dance across various cities. A testament to this mission is my recent endeavor, “Unpredictable Bodies.” What I hold closest to my heart is my unwavering determination. I believe my tenacity, my refusal to abandon my dreams, truly distinguishes me from the rest.
What do you think about happiness?
What truly brings joy to my heart is dance. It’s more than just movement; it’s my way of connecting, healing, and rediscovering myself. Through dance, I unravel the tapestry of my sexuality, body, and deepest aspirations. It’s a medium where I feel most authentic, exuding every ounce of my feminine strength and self-expression. Beyond the dance studio, my happiness is woven into life’s simple pleasures. I indulge in films, soulful music, a perfectly crafted cocktail, and the delightful taste of pasta. My husband’s presence and the warmth of our Weimaraner’s embrace offer me unparalleled comfort. I’m an ardent daydreamer, a wanderlust-infused traveler, and an eternal disciple of dance. My ideal downtime? A long, contemplative bath, followed by the thrilling anticipation of my next dance workshop. Family, the electrifying energy of a live concert, and the thrill of birthing new projects also illuminate my path with joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valletodance.com/
- Instagram: @valletodance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valletodance
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-yvette-gonzalez-mfa-79638260
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/vyga
- Other: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/valleto2020/help-valleto-stay-in-austin
Image Credits
Sarah Annie Navarrete, Paul Gilmore, Lalo Alvarez
