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

Hi Oscar, what are you inspired by?
As an artist, I am inspired by everything that surrounds me. I find inspiration from using public transportation, taking a walk down the street,  going out for a coffee, and any other daily activity. I’m lucky to be living in such a multicultural place as New York City, where you can meet someone from every corner of the world. It amazes me how many different things you can encounter in just one day in the city which, without noticing it, could provide you that spark to start your next artistic venture.

In addition, I’m constantly inspired by the artists I have the privilege to work with. I do my best to keep an open mind in order to learn something new, which will allow me to have a different perspective on how I see and approach any given situation, expanding my creativity without changing my authenticity as an artist. Without a doubt, every project I do comes with a great amount of learning and growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This is a great question. Besides my daily activities, side jobs and auditions, something else that keeps me busy professionally is my training. As artists it is our responsibility to keep ourselves active and ready for when that opportunity comes. We all have our own ways to keep up with our training, taking classes, going to shows, and other activities that will help your mind to stay active and ready. Of course, all these things cost money and many times we are not in the position of spending it, but we have access to all kinds of media from reliable sources that will cost us nothing and provide us with a good amount of information, feeding our knowledge and contributing to our growth as artists.

In addition, following up with my friends and acquaintances to know what they are working on. Most of the time it is easy for me to compare myself with them, instead I use this to feel inspired,  stay up to date on what is happening and find inspiration for my next move. With resilience, authenticity and humbleness, I stay focused on finding my own voice.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, my family. My parents have been there for me since day one rooting for me and giving me support in every decision I make. Even when I decided to go from Mechanical Engineering to become a professional dancer, I know it wasn’t an easy decision but they supported me to follow my dreams.

In Costa Rica I received my training in Warehouse Dance Complex, where I had the opportunity to take classes with incredible teachers and choreographers who mentored me and taught me wonderful lessons that helped me to get to where I am right now. Also, being part of the cast for the first two Broadway productions in Costa Rica produced by Luciernaga Producciones, helped me realize where I wanted to move forward in my career as a performing artist.

I couldn’t forget my experience in the MFA program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, receiving incredible mentorship from amazing teachers for two years straight, sharing with us their knowledge and experiences from their careers so we could be more prepared to face the real world.

Website: www.oscarrodriguezdance.com

Instagram: @oscarantonio0704

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ojkr0787

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rodriguezo1

Image Credits
Photo credits: Alejandro Armas, Jon Taylor and Carlos Belgoderi.

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