DanceHappenings On The Edge

YardEdge Talks to Dancer, Christina Gonzalez

As part of our series of profiling dancers in this weekend’s  Jamaica Dance Showcase, YardEdge talks to Christina Gonzales.

christinagonzalez

YardEdge:  Why are you an artist/dancer and when did you first become one?

Christina: Dancing started for me over 10 years ago, I dance because I love it, my greatest influence as a dancer comes from my parents. My mother Champayne was a dynamic dance performer by profession in her younger years, she taught me my first plie, and started my career as a performer from a very young age, via the hotel industry with a family group called “CANA: kiddies showcase”. My father Christopher (May his soul soar to new heights) was a visual artist. His influence to me comes through my creative spirit while choreographing.

YardEdge:  How would you describe your work?

Christina: Dance is an art. It’s a fun and exciting sport, sometimes hard, but I enjoy it because of the spontaneity it brings from time to time.

YardEdge:  What type of dance do you do?

Christina: West African Folk, Merce Cunningham Modern, Martha graham Modern, A version of Afro Cuban Modern, Some Ballet, Caribbean folk, DANCEHALL, some hip-hop: I am particularly interested in the “Krump” aspect of hip-hop…I do a lot of dancing.

YardEdge:  Which company/group do you dance with, if any?

Christina: I dance right now with the National Dance Theatre Company, in addition to this I am a part of a new upcoming Jamaican West African Folk group/company…this is still in “blue print mode”.

YardEdge:  What artists/dancers have influenced you and how?

Christina: My parents Christopher and Champayne Gonzalez, Professor Rex Nettleford, Marlon Simms, Neila Ebanks. All these persons influenced me through their individual talents and creativity, and independent achievements.

YardEdge:  What other interests do you have outside of dance?

Christina: Acting, physiotherapy, fashion, and writing articles on just about everything. I plan to write a book(s) some day.

YardEdge:  What inspires you to keep motivated when things get tough?

Christina: Long-term-investment. I just keep thinking “I’m paying my dues” eventually it will all work out the way I planned.

YardEdge:  How did you get started as a dancer?

Christina: Parents

YardEdge:  Who are some dance companies and or dancers that you admire?

Christina: I admire Kerri-Ann Henry, Marlon Simms, Shakee Dubson of the NDTC, Neila Ebanks (formerly of the NDTC), I admire the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s Clifton Brown, and Matthew Rushing.

YardEdge:  What’s the best and worst parts of being an dancer?

Christina: Worst part- Some people nuh wah pay we what we deserve.  Best part- Performing 1st and Teaching 2nd.

YardEdge:  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Christina: With 10 more years in this dance business I’ll be the Artistic Director of my own creative dance company.

YardEdge:  How would you describe the state of the dance world in Jamaica?

Christina: Honestly I think it has grown a lot, still in toddler stage in terms of recognizing classical forms to the appreciated, however it’s growing and I am happy that it has become an integral part of our modern culture.

YardEdge:  If you could be doing anything you wanted, what would that be?

Christina: Well apart from traveling the world, I’d want to be Michael Jackson’s Dance Partner.

YardEdge:  How have you developed your skill?

Christina: Hours of practice, practice, practice in the Dance studios at Edna Manley College, and NDTC, teaching at various locations, and reading books on dance. I have accepted the fact that dance is one of those careers where you learn something new in every dance class, no matter how often you have done it, as a dancer it’s wise to make yourself an open vessel, be opened to corrections, and critique.

YardEdge:  Do you dance professionally? i.e. Get paid to dance? Do you want to?

Christina: Yes I most certainly am a dance professional. I do get paid to dance dependent on the situation. Some of it is voluntary, but it’s all a part of the learning process. My career is still young.

YardEdge:  What’s going on in your head when you’re performing?

Christina: Depends on the choreographed piece, I think about what moves come next, I try to remember counts, occasionally I wonder if there’s going to be food backstage, I sometimes become the character so the thoughts are generated towards that person I have taken on (e.g. murder victim, seductress..etc)

YardEdge: What makes you want to get up out of bed in the morning?

Christina: Food, Facebook, and T.V

You can contact Christiana via email at christina_gonzalez@ymail.com

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12 Comments

  1. March 18, 2014 at 7:11 pm — Reply

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  3. February 21, 2010 at 10:32 pm — Reply

    yea she was on in de dance…i like her style

  4. Anonymous
    February 21, 2010 at 10:31 pm — Reply

    yea she was on in the dance, she cya dance man

  5. andre
    September 11, 2009 at 10:18 pm — Reply

    In da dance dancer?

  6. Micahacim
    July 26, 2009 at 12:01 am — Reply

    She’s got it!

  7. Anonymous
    June 16, 2009 at 7:56 pm — Reply

    Thanx kimmy =)

  8. kimiko
    March 20, 2009 at 3:51 pm — Reply

    i see a bright future for u chrisy. kep doing ur thing. its hard but it all brngs success! big up

  9. Anonymous
    March 20, 2009 at 3:50 pm — Reply

    i see a bright future for u chrissy. keep dancing…

  10. March 10, 2009 at 8:37 pm — Reply

    Thanku very much , that means alot!!

  11. March 8, 2009 at 7:57 pm — Reply

    All the best Christina. I think you are a beautiful dancer. Be a success. Keep dancing and growing everyday and you’ll be great. The world is you oyster. Hope Brooks

  12. Mona
    March 7, 2009 at 10:37 pm — Reply

    Dance Umbrella has been amazing so far! I’m so impressed with the diversity of dance talent in Jamaica! Congratulations to you all!

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