Meet Angel Patiño | Dancer & Choreographer

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

Hi Angel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Before moving to LA, I had no perception of work-life balance. My life was ruled by dance (rehearsals, teaching, choreographing, performing, driving) with little sleep and little time for anything else. Over the years, and specially now, I’ve learned how important it is to be happy in all aspects of life of your life. With that, it’s hard work being able to balance them all but it’s possible if you truly believe in yourself. I even completed a bachelor’s and master’s program while working full time and still dancing a bit. I work in community health as a Program Administrator full-time and currently in a fellowship program under the Office of Health Equity. I need dance, just as much as I need to exercise, work, make time for friends, visit family, and go on dates occasionally. Now, I’m more intentional about placing similar effort in all. Most importantly, I’m learning to say no or set boundaries so that I can rest and spend time with myself. Time with yourself and in a quiet space allows you to center yourself and process all the emotions and experiences you’ve had that day or week.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Dancing has not come easy but once I discovered it, I really went for it. From lying to my parents so that they didn’t know I was driving to San Francisco for Funkanometry SF performance workshop, to working extra time to afford some of our dance performances trips with Project M. I was always a lover of music, recording music on cassettes from the radio, and obsessing over 90’s pop artists. Once I had more freedom and was more independent, I learned to make it all work. Dance came into my life when I was at an all time low. I had no plans for my future, all my friends had gone away for college, I had no hobbies, no social life, and felt empty. I was working a few hours in retail and then going home on a daily basis. I had also received so devastating news about my health. Dance came into my life…. or actually, let me rephrase that. I brought dance into my life when I needed it the most. It brought community and support. Dance brought friends that became family. It brought love and happiness.

At a very early age, I knew I was different. I loved freestyling all over the place. I loved feeling the music, I had so much energy. My newfound dance family accepted me and has taught me to hone my energy and become who I am now. Thanks to their acceptance of me, I learned to become ME in a safe environment and I am so proud of who I am now.

Growing into adulthood, I never truly had goals and direction. Being surrounded by so many hardworking individuals who were always accomplishing something taught me to do the same. Now I’m in LA, have been part of so many amazing projects, signed by Movement Talent Agency, have had so many opportunities that I never thought possible and now I’m hoping to teach and choreograph more. I dance, work in healthcare and volunteer but I’m ready to expand and grown in so many ways.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting me, I’d take them to all my favorite places.

Hi Tops in WeHo for a daytime burger and beer.

Santa Monica Pier for crab cakes and wine at Sunset

OR Bar for a MezPressoTini or a Mezcal Margarita made by Omar.

This is the MOST IMPORTANT part but KBBQ is my favorite. Currently love OoKook in Ktown.

There are honestly so many amazing places everywhere.

Otus Thai on La Brea, coffee at Bohemia coffee shop, a cute walk or stroll at Runyon, Pho and drinks at Phorage, Mama Shelter is no longer open but any rooftop bar/restaurant, Kura Revolving Sushi. I can literally go on and on.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people that I’m grateful for and want to dedicate this to. Bibi for encouraging me to continue my dance journey after I almost gave up, Project M for giving me a chance to join the team when I had little experience, Krystle for giving me the guts to audition for the team, and my nieces and nephews who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. I know they look up to me but they are the reason I continue to follow my heart and do things that make me happy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelepatino

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelepatino

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=oxqAMuDDspwsHDszWMcpsw&utm_source=ishare

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@angelepatino

Image Credits
Bryan Le, Karen Ortiz, Vince Trupsin, JoJo Norez