A gypsy spirit
although not necessarily acquired from an ethnical birth can be experienced
by any member of human society. As
romantic as this sounds a true nomadic journey requires
a resilient and courageous spirit void of static shelter. Westerners all romanticize the gypsy’s seclusion
from society disregarding the valor exercised in upholding one’s convictions.
And so it was for me, a Mexican American
born and bred in an anglo-american culture uncalculatingly pursuing a career
in an ethnic dance form not of his culture. My choice had its sacrifice; the compromise of
family, home, culture, and country. God
sent was the luxury of youth that gave me the strength to pursue my heart’s
desire. It never ceases to amaze me
how one decision can totally change the complexion of one’s life.
Gratefully this one event opened universes beyond my
wildest dreams that if I were to pass on tomorrow I would die a wealthy man.
I did become an exponent of Flamenco and Spanish
Dance and can humbly say that I rendered the art form its due justice. Fortunately for me I was mentored by the great
masters of Spain at that
time and was blessed with the opportunity to share the limelight graced by
incredible artists. Spain afforded
me incredible inspiration and education not only in dance, art, language,
and theatre but in it’s diversity of people from all parts of the world giving
me an understanding of world culture. Through
this art form I was able to travel afar, a dancing ambassador entertaining
audiences from Europe, Middle
and Far East to Australia. My career gave me experience in theatre, television,
film, cabaret, and tablao flamenco. Since Childhood my greatest tools were my acquired
disciplines in Irish clog, tap dance, ballet, jazz, and musical comedy which
are so indicative of my present day theatre pieces. If it were not for these previous acquired skills
I could have not survived in a highly competitive entertainment profession.
My journey of 24 years has now returned me to the country
of my birth and as an artist I am confronted with a totally different situation.
How does one apply these skills of
an ethnic Spanish art form and make a contribution to the enrichment of society
in a country so homogenized? This is
a question of debate at the moment. Should the USA be bilingual?
How do we as Americans reconcile the history of New Spain with
the British Colonies? Being of Mexican
American birth I find myself quite proud and defensive of my cultural heritage.
My identity and mestization are very
unique and my awareness of this fact was only awakened by my education abroad.
A second challenge arises. The American concept of marketing is totally
foreign to an artist who has dedicated his life to the cultivation of his
craft. However, marketing skills are
essential to success and survival in the new world.
Are you vegetable, animal, or mineral?
What is my label? Yes I have
devoted my life to the study of dance, but I also understand humanity, am
a passionate teacher, skilled in tailoring and costuming, have worked in the
mediums of mosaic, masonry, paint, paper maché, leather, and wood. For the past 12 years my focus has been instruction
of dance both privately and as adjunct professor at the University of
New
Mexico. I am based in Albuquerque and
at the moment find my spirit restless regarding self fulfillment. My dream was to establish a school and a performing
flamenco company but then again that now seems so limiting when I contemplate
my entire theatrical and life experience. In summary I believe that my real passion lies
in Theatre. It is the only medium that
gathers all the above elements together to create magic. In closing I am open to any ventures that the
reader might perceive artistically exciting and lucrative.
To the gypsy journey!
Pablo Rodarte
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