Dance Student Spotlight: Adriana A. Alvarado

My name is Adriana A. Alvarado and I am 23 years old. I live in Puerto Rico and I'm dancing at Centro Danza.

@adriana_alvarado19

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I started dancing and taking classes when I was 8 years old at the Escuela de Ballet Clásico Baile Creativo Inc. In 2009, I continued my training and became part of the company of Balleteatro Nacional de Puerto Rico. Since 2017 I am a Professional Dancer at Centro Danza with Laura Valentín and Osmay Molina. I have been performing and winning several competitions, both in ballet and ballroom. Such are: Caribbean Dancesport Classic, where I won First Place in Ballroom in the Senior Category, Third Place with Bronze in the Miami International Ballet Competition, and Third Place with Bronze in the Category Professional at the Dance Open America. Also, I had the chance to participate in the International Miami Festival of Ballet. My repertoire includes roles in: The Nutcracker, Una Oportunidad para Soñar, Sylvia, The Pharaoh's Daughter, Suite La Bayadere, Descalzos, Giselle, Little Red Riding Hood, Carmen, Tribute to Rafael Hernández, Celtic Fire, Opus No. 1 Capriccio, Le Corsaire, The Swan Lake, Coppelia, Raymonda, Don Quixote, and others.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

No, things have not been easy for me at all. Throughout my career, I had to overcome tough people and situations, discrimination, and low self-esteem. But one thing I have learned from all of it is that I have everything that it takes to be an extraordinary dancer and professional.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

Talking about my personal limitations, I can highlight my extensions and low self-esteem. These are things that I have been working continuously to overcome and training hard to be better.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

Yes, and I always try to remember and tell myself nobody defines you.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I am so grateful to have my family by my side. The support of my family has been the key to beating all the negative talk and people. We need to surround ourselves with the correct people, and all the good vibes will reflect in our thoughts and actions.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is: "She believed she could, so she did." - Author Unknown

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

For now, I am focused on graduating from college and continuing my intensive ballet professional training. And I really want to audition for some recognized companies.