Through the span of history, countless creatives have left their mark on the world with moving masterpieces, elegant ensembles and cathartic choreographies. Each requires years of practice to master an art form, but none are complete without the artist’s intangible soul that elevates the work beyond a mere art piece.
Paola Castro has danced ballet since she was six years old and spoke about the importance of mastering technique, how her choreography originates in her soul and the harmony they need to create an unforgettable performance. This harmony was recognized and led to her becoming part of the Joffrey Ballet Program in New York City.
“As a child, I struggled to express myself, so my mother put me in dance. Thanks to her, dance has been my life and is part of my identity,” she said. “I am very technique driven, but dance is not just technique but creativity. You can have the perfect splits, but if you don’t add love and soul, it falls short of pure art.”
Since childhood, Castro said she has had no other goal than to perform as part of a professional ballet program. Over her years of dancing, she recognized the instructors who helped her build her repertoire of techniques. She said Laredo College instructor Patricia Godines was a pillar of support who stood by her leading up to the initial summer intensive.
“The Laredo College Dance Department is overjoyed witnessing her remarkable growth and dedication to her art. Through passion and perseverance, she has become an exceptional artist with extraordinary talent. We are confident she will continue to flourish as she embarks on her next chapter at the Joffrey Ballet School and beyond,” LC Associate Professor of Dance Patricia Godines said.
Castro said that unlike other programs she attended, LC’s Dance Program allowed her to feel included among her peers and connect to dance. She highlighted the supportive environment and said she could see and feel each stride toward reaching the greatest stages on Earth.
“One of the most meaningful areas of growth for me has been in artistry. My dance instructors at LC not only focus strongly on technique but also on expressing emotion and storytelling through movement, something I had been missing in my training,” Castro said. “Their classes are filled with knowledge, and I constantly feel challenged to learn and grow. Laredo College’s Dance Program has had a powerful impact on my artistic journey and my career as a dancer.”
Godines wasn’t her only pillar of support. Castro said all her teachers throughout her life not only helped mold her discipline and skill but offered the steady support she needed on the days when doubt felt heaviest.
“We’re beyond proud to have been the foundation of Paola’s journey, bringing out her natural talent and nurturing her commitment to the beauty and discipline of dance,” LC dance faculty member Cristina Greco said.
Her teachers’ support culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would shape her future. Castro said she is not the same person she was when she started.
With dance becoming a core part of who she is, Castro knew she needed to find the right program to reach the next level. The Joffrey Ballet School offers year-round training for pre-professional artists in multiple dance disciplines. The program’s main goal is to train dancers to work professionally and become highly employable.
Through a summer intensive with the Joffrey Ballet in New York, Castro took another major step in her journey to become a professional dancer. During those three weeks among passionate dancers and industry veterans, the experience affirmed she had chosen the right path in life.
Each day was tougher than the last. Castro danced daily, pushing past her limits and ignoring the blisters on her feet. The effort and pain were the reality of a professional dancer. It is what she dedicates her life to, and every moment since then has moved her toward achieving her dream. Ultimately, she was handpicked for the Joffrey Ballet School year-round Trainee Program.
“Art is beautiful. It is human. Without art, we would be without warmth, without feelings. Without dance, I am not me,” Castro said.