Meet Karla Puno Garcia

We were lucky to catch up with Karla Puno Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla Puno , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Over time, I realized that my creativity shines the most when I am authentically myself. I stopped trying to be like anyone else, and I leaned into the things that make me uniquely me. I investigated my taste and what I was naturally drawn to as an artist – movement, music, tone, feel … what do I love about life? Once I started creating from a passionate place, I found my voice more confidently and reset my ability to grow in an exciting way.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a NYC based Emmy-nominated Choreographer of Broadway/Film/TV. I teach classes around NYC and all around the world. I love getting to tell stories through dance whether it’s through a camera lens or live theater. The sky is the limit with using our bodies as narrative.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Listen and observe. I performed in my first Broadway show at 20 years old. As a young artist, I was surrounded by veterans. Since I was so new, I made sure to observe how they navigated the work environment. I was a sponge. It really taught me to be a great listener. Now, as a leader and creative on the other side of the table, I still listen and only speak when I feel passionate about contributing. I am grateful this skill was honed a long time ago, because it makes me an effective collaborator.

2) Surround yourself with people who have integrity. Recognizing this early on made me equipped to always be around those who lift me up, speak the truth, and have their feet on the ground.

3) My parents taught me to dream big. Don’t limit yourself to what you think you are capable of or what you think you deserve. There is so much more!

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

They never told me I was limited to anything just because I was a Filipina Female. I didn’t realize until I went to college that I was a minority. I did not realize how few people who looked like me were in my field. It is ironic because me not realizing this allowed me to just dream BIG regardless. I went on to become the First Filipina in Hamilton the Musical and the First Filipina to choreograph the Tony Awards. My parents always encouraged excellence no matter what I looked like.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @KarlaPunoGarcia

Image Credits

Laura Irion