We had the good fortune of connecting with Julio Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julio, what are you inspired by?
Lately I have been inspired by nature, the universe, and cosmology. Specifically Mesoamerican (indigenous) mythology and relationships to the earth and the universe. My ancestors are Mexica, or Aztec, and their respect for animals, land, and the stars inspires me deeply. It helps me connect to my roots, and it helps me connect to others. Having a positive relationship with nature is also something that seems critical right now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a professor of dance comes with huge blessings and some counterintuitive challenges. The financial stability and free access to studio space allows me to easily work on my craft and art. This is a privilege that not all artists have. But it is a privilege that I try to and will continue to share as much as possible. I love working with students and being part of a community that is consistently changing through research and creative expression. It wasn’t easy to get here. As a young person of color, I often felt like an impostor. But, consistency and diligence pay off. I learned that you have to cut yourself some slack, you have to practice self love. You have to fill your glass. Otherwise, you’ll burn out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hands down I would not be where I am without the QuestBridge Scholarship. This organization provides scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to attend prestigious colleges and universities. I received a scholarship to go to Emory University, which is where I teach now in the Dance and Movement Studies Program.

   

Website: www.juliomedinadance.com

Instagram: @juliomedinadance

Other: Vimeo: Julio Ulises Medina

Image Credits
Matthew Spaugh, Lori Teague, Gianna Mercandetti

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.