Meet Lucia Herlinda

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lucia Herlinda a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lucia, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Optimism is a key factor to our growth and life enjoyment. I believe optimism comes from the heart and mindset that if you channel positive energy and thought into your actions, then positive results will ensue. Optimism and inspiration work together to create a magical synergy.

One of my sources of optimism developed in my 20’s after suffering health issues. My goal was to turn a negative experience into one a positive one. Family support was vital and helped to improve my recovery and inner strength. I learned that internal factors such as meditation, positive reinforcement, and external factors such as dance, music, and art combined to foster a great healing environment.

As a professional dancer and instructor, I enjoy creating a space for students to learn, grow and enjoy the benefits of exercising while sharing the joy of dance. Optimism is a key to becoming an effective teacher. When you believe in others and share your knowledge and passion with them, you create a positive, indescribable impact. When I perform – I share my heartfelt energy with my audience. Sharing this wonderful art form optimizes movement, communication, and expression on another level.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an Professional Dance Artist, I provide dance instruction in Middle Eastern and Persian Dance and perform at events and venues which promote this exquisite art form. I also sponsor other instructors and host Gala’s where my students and other dance artists and musicians are afforded an opportunity to perform and to grow.

I have studied Middle Eastern Dance for over 20 years and traveled to the Middle East to further my students and cultural education. These historical experiences have fostered a passion for a diversity of dance art forms which I treasure and share with others. In doing so, I have developed a deep appreciation of the folkloric roots and ancestry of International dances.

In my classes, I offer students an opportunity to share creativity, culture, diversity and to learn Middle Eastern and Persian Dance in positive forum. I provide instruction for dancers of all levels. Depending on their experience level, I offer challenging choreography to stimulate their growth and enjoyment and private coaching. Additionally, I hire guest artists and musicians to co-instruct classes This provides students with a new dimension and perspective. Sharing dance/musical interpretation is a way to expand the mind and soul. I believe creating a dynamic class where students look forward to learning is a special skill that I have developed and shared for over 20 years.

As a Gala producer, I hire other artists to work with me to produce a show which is exciting and educational to our community. My students and other dance artists have opportunities to perform. This networking requires a sharing of optimism, creativity, culture, diversity and history with an open mind. When you promote these essential qualities with others, the results are endless.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Be genuine, be true. Dance is a window to the soul and your communication must reflect confidence, belief and excitement. There is an old saying that dance is 15% technique and 85% presentation. There is some truth in that – what you convey is what you receive. Don’t imitate, but instead create your own magical journey to share with your audience or yourself. Tell a story with your expression, your movement and emotion. Yourself awareness will blossom with your dance and your inspiration will sail.

2. Technical proficiency. Learn the basic movements, learn the cultural history and music that you dance to. Study online resources and travel, if possible, to maximize your education. Your audience will appreciate the efforts you took to learn and to perform historical dances.

3. Be a professional, communicate with grace and dignity. Establishing your reputation as an effective, reliable and thoughtful person is important in an artistic community where networking is important. Gossip, rumor spreading, undercutting and online bullying is not tolerated. Don’t involve yourself in a circle of negativity. Instead, seek relationships in dance with persons you respect and are inspired by.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am currently working long hours in my legal career, which sometimes impacts my presence in the arts and dance community and family time. Time management is always a challenge for me. I am delegating and trying to work ‘smarter’ by seeking solutions and alternatives. My legal career and professional dance career are very rewarding. I’m passionate about both careers and feel blessed to work, inspire and serve our community in both fields.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Pam Bass, Michael Baxter

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