Meet Andrea Yorita

We recently connected with Andrea Yorita and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Mental health has always been difficult for me. It is a challenge that I, like many others, have come to realize not only how important it is, but also know that it is a constant journey that ebbs and flows. I used to think that mental health was a stagnate goal that I needed to reach. Like a finish line where I’d be “happy”. I’ve realized that “happy” is too simple of a word for the complexities of the human mind and emotions and that I have actually learned more about myself and the world around me in the darker times.

The fact that I have been able to do what I love as my career helps. When my love for art and dance starts to waver I now know that whatever situation I am in is not good for me. Understanding the difference between difficult and toxic and how those parameters around both change throughout time has been something I am discovering. To help me get through tough times I have learned to lean on my inner circle, the people around me that accept me and love me unconditionally. It is really those people who I owe a lot to.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am originally from Irvine, California but am currently based out of Philadelphia, PA. I danced professionally in a contemporary ballet company in Philadelphia for 11 years and am currently a freelance artist. I started a dance project with two colleagues called Sonder Space. Sonder Space is a dance project that aims to provide a platform for emerging and accomplished artists to present their work with creative freedom. This project organizes dance performances exploring central human themes and fosters collaboration across artistic mediums, inspired by the word “sonder,” which reflects the complexity of each individual’s life. We are currently working on our next production that will premiere in May 2025 in Philadelphia. For this production we are collaborating with live music elements as well as three unique choreographic voices.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that are most impactful for me is humility, openness, and a good work ethic. A career in the arts is difficult so you need to be able to work hard through both the good and bad times. However, sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in life and career so I try to remind myself to always remain human. Understanding others and having empathy has also helped me feel more well rounded.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly my family has been the biggest support system in every way possible. I feel so fortunate to have them. They ground me while still allowing me to be me and grow. With such great support, I am able to feel the freedom to go for things and know that if I fall they are there to catch me no matter that. A lot of my learning has been made up of a lot of trial and errors to find what works for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @yoandie @the_sonderspace

Image Credits

Elliot deBruyn
Stephen Kent
Zachary Kapeluck
Matthew Caserta