We recently connected with Claudia De la Cruz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claudia, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
“My resilience is forged from the fiery crucible of my life’s purpose. The moment I unearthed the profound calling that echoed within my soul, I realized that I was destined to engage in an unrelenting battle, to toil tirelessly, to conquer every mission set before me. In that very discovery, I found an untapped wellspring of inner strength, a source of unwavering determination, all rooted in the profound knowledge that my existence is dedicated to serving others.
With unwavering clarity, I recognized that I am an instrument of change, a beacon of hope. My mission is to extend the hand of opportunity to other kindred souls, guiding them to unearth their own true selves through the transcendent magic of music and the graceful art of dance. My purpose is not merely a driving force; it is the very heart and soul of my resilience, the north star guiding my unwavering commitment to make a profound impact on the world and illuminate the path for others to discover their own boundless potential.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
“My journey in the world of dance began at the tender age of 5, and from that moment, I embarked on a lifelong odyssey of rhythm and expression. I cannot envision my life without the graceful cadence of my body, the poetry of movement, and the eloquent storytelling through dance. My path, though beautiful, has been an intense one, enriched by the privilege of training and performing alongside remarkable international flamenco artists.
In the year 1999, a dream took root within me – the dream of opening a dance studio. Fate led me to the enchanting Downtown in Santa Ana, where I became one of the founders of what we now know as the Artist Village. Here, I joined a vibrant tapestry of artists, working in harmonious collaboration, and together, we celebrated our craft every month during the ArtWalks.
Today, I stand on the precipice of a momentous milestone in my life’s journey. Next year, I will joyfully mark my 25th anniversary of sharing the enchantment of flamenco with my cherished Orange County community, right here in the heart of Santa Ana, a city known throughout Southern California. This journey began with the establishment of my studio, the Claudia de la Cruz Flamenco Institute, where I continue to impart the art of flamenco dance to souls of all ages. In the midst of teaching, I continue to dance, a passion that burns within me, and I find equal joy in choreographing.
My studio is a living entity, ever-evolving. It doesn’t just incorporate and breathe life into beautiful ancestral elements; it fuses them into special performances and dance interpretations. Our intention is clear: to convey a powerful message to our audience, one of reflection, transformation, awareness, and profound connection. Healing is at the core of our mission, and the elements of movement, dance, and music serve as profound therapeutic tools.
And here’s a tantalizing promise: stay tuned for an extraordinary transformational project that has been years in the making, poised to weave its magic in our beloved dance sanctuary.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
“Embrace your dream in this very moment, for waiting until you feel completely prepared to embark on your journey is a path to perpetual waiting. The truth is, you will never truly be ‘ready’ to begin, but as you take those initial steps, you will gather wisdom, clearing away the needless distractions like removing useless grass, and planting the seeds that will eventually bear the fruits of your labor. Start now, for in the journey itself, you’ll discover the readiness you seek and nurture a future rich with the harvest of your dreams.”
“Exchange fear for faith. Fear is a phantom that saps your strength and isn’t rooted in reality. Faith, on the other hand, is an unstoppable engine that propels you forward, infusing you with the determination to persist, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in your way.”
“Embrace the exquisite art of being yourself, for it is in your uniqueness that you shine most brightly. Each of us is a masterpiece, an intricate mosaic of experiences, passions, and dreams. In a world where conformity sometimes tempts us, remember that your true power lies in authenticity. Your quirks, your flaws, your passions—these are the brushstrokes that paint the canvas of your life. Be unapologetically you, for it is in your genuine self that you discover your greatest potential, inspire others, and illuminate your path towards fulfillment and happiness.”
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
“I am incredibly blessed to call the most extraordinary parents in the world my own. It’s impossible to pinpoint just one pivotal lesson they’ve imparted to me, as there have been countless. Yet, there’s one that fills my heart with boundless joy. From them, I learned to cherish nature, to hold dear the animals, plants, and the very Earth we call home. They instilled in me the profound importance of caring for everything that surrounds us, a lesson that ignited the advocate and nature lover within me. This journey has not only allowed me to grow but has also deepened my spiritual connection with the world around me.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tierra-flamenca.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiadelaxcruz/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiadelaX/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/claudiadelax?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@claudiadelacruzflamenco7464
Image Credits
some of them by Eric Stoner , 2 of them Timo Nunez, others not applicable, ok to use
