Summer Interview Series...Angelica Burgos

It's hard to believe that it is August, school is starting back, and summer is coming to an end. I have really enjoyed reaching out to friends from the industry to discuss their experiences as moms in the industry. Someone that I met just a few years ago continues to blow my mind with her experience and abilities as a mom. I actually wonder if she sleeps at all! When I met Angelica Burgos, we were both pursuing our MFA in Choreography at Jacksonville University. I was newly pregnant and she had two darling little girls. Not only does she have a busy life as a mom and dance teacher, she often works with her husband,  a professor of dance in Richmond, Virginia! Let's see what Angelica has to share about her experience in the biz.

What was your process from professionalism into parenthood?
I always knew that having a family was a huge priority for me, but as you know well for dancers, it is all about establishing their career first. For many years, I was a professional dancer with Sacramento Ballet, Ballet Hispanico and then West Side Story on Broadway,. Being on Broadway gave me the opportunity to slow down and have more time for myself. This time in my life was a perfect window of opportunity to evolve, invest in myself on many levels, explore higher education and dedicate time for a family. Once I made that choice things started to change, I realized there were many more opportunities for myself to grow as an artist, educator and choreographer, wife and eventually mother.
 
With you and your husband both being dance teachers and choreographers, how do you manage your schedules?
Managing our schedule is in itself a very difficult task!! We both are now exploring similar choreographic and teaching opportunities, but our daughters always are our 1st priority. I look at each opportunity carefully and assess which one of us will qualify the most. We communicate, pre-plan, and have monthly check-ins with each other. We do not have family close by and are solely dependent on each other. With that said, we have been very lucky that I work my teaching schedule around Eric's and therefore, things are manageable for the most part. Busy families like us with extremely busy and creative careers are always a bit crazy but certainly all worth it. 
 
As a recent MFA graduate, what advice would you give to dancing mommas who would like to continue their education? 
I would advise anyone who is interested in pursuing their MFA to go for it! It is the best self-investment one can do! As a full time, mother of two small children, with two full time jobs and an MFA candidate, my journey was hard. I never had a moment to breathe, it felt like I was on a fast-running train that never stopped and wasn't ever going to stop. There were many sacrifices but I understood what such accomplishment would provide for me and my family. It takes a lot of work, outside support, an incredible partner to hold your hand when needed, and self-determination. I now look back at my MFA diploma and know it was the best decision for me! Many doors have opened up that simply didn't before I had my MFA. I have evolved as an educator and curated a deep understanding about my teaching methodology and found my voice as a choreographer. 


I have always been in awe of her abilities as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher but she was also an inspiration to me as a parent. Seeing how she was able to balance, even though sometimes it would be very challenging, encouraged me to keep going and know that I would come out the other side stronger. I am grateful for her friendship and mentorship. May her words and experience be a reminder that it is possible to make it all work. Happy dancing, mommas!