Meet Celeste Lanuza | Actress, Professor, Filmmaker, Choreographer, PhD Candidate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Lanuza and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Celeste, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is exactly what it sounds like. An exciting and scary thing all at once. Thankfully, because I lead with assertiveness and not fear, I have taken many dives head first into some deep waters. I worked full time for years as a performing artist. This has meant traveling all over the world touring to China, Romania, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and all over the US. These opportunities came with so much excitement and fulfillment all at once. They also came with understanding a sense of self and what that meant for me as a creative and performing artist that was not rooting myself in my local community. I began learning that the more I strayed away from these opportunities and shifted towards different types of risk taking like accepting career moves in my city of either NYC or LA, I began to make invigorating connections with the city I chose to be my home. I have also missed seeing my family, loved ones, and comprometido now hubby often when either picking up and moving to NYC or taking tour opportunities. I realized that I was already so connected locally more than I even realized.
Risk taking has been EVERYTHING in my life and career. I have also chosen to leave positions not always knowing what contracts are next. This goes with saying that I am ALWAYS honest about my life work balance with friends and my networks that I have also been blessed to be referred to positions as an actress, dancer, choreographer, or professor. The work ethic I put into my daily actions of also pushing for my village while doing my best in everything I do never taking any moment in LA for granted has spoken volumes to moments that have occurred that have been life changing. Risk taking looks different for everyone. For me, this has meant moving different cities for either full scholarships to attend college, take the next step in my career, shift towards leadership roles in my field, etc. I like many other people in my family are not complacent and are continually seeking ways in which we can grow and be challenged. If I am not aligning with the values, ethics, mission, or goals with my environment I seek settings that invite an educated Latina chingona artist who leads with integrity and an empowered mindset that will speak up for those who are underrepresented and fight for life changing opportunities for her village.
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.
I am a creative and performing artist who combines my original music and choreography to create ensemble theatrical performance works that carry messages of empowerment for marginalized communities. This work stems from collaborative musical compositions I’ve written with my dad as well as pieces that often integrate live music. The intent with this work is to uplift the viewer towards higher heights that will charge new potentiality overcoming limiting inferiorities. What I’ve been told that sets my work apart from others, is the visceral contagious quality of liberation that speaks specifically to those who are watching by entertaining and stimulating art that inspires growth and deeper connection with each other.
Getting to where I am now was not easy. I’ve been denied hundreds of times, mislead towards opportunities, exploited in the work force and fallen down many times. These experiences mobilized me towards what I knew I was always meant for. To reach others through my artistry. The journey for a creative and performing artist is never ending and the work continues. I never want to feel like I’ve arrived. I believe artistry continues to evolve through hardships we face in life. Some of the best material I’ve created have been a result of toxic relationships, domestic abuse, or being let down in ways I would’ve never imagined. I overcame these challenges through lots of prayer, continuing to grow in my relationship with God and self, while reflecting on the art I create and why I produce this work. The doors that have opened up to me through internationally touring and performing all over the world, producing and directing original musicals, dance theater and music productions, as well as sharing my art on some of the worlds top venues and working with several leaders in the field of the performing arts has been a deep blessing I continue to be in deep gratitude for. And the loved ones I hold close to me are what really make these moments feel real and significant because I continue to lead with agency for every single individual that has played a role in my journey.
Some lessons I’ve learned along the way are that the moments when you are feeling tried, confused, scared, lost and/or lonely, are the moments that reveal truly who you are and if you truly sit in these occurrences and listen to all the possibilities that are surrounding you by your community, you will realize that you were never alone and there’s no reason for confusion.
I think it’s valuable to share that we as artists are not solely our race, ethnicity, gender, who we love, appearance, physical shape, or degrees. In an industry who often prioritizes these things, my work brings visibility to the unification of all people from diverse backgrounds and thrives in the array of multifaceted communities to represent a sincere representation of what unity can be.
Upcoming performances are now through October 6th at CASA 0101 Theater where I’m performing in a World Premiere play written by Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves film and musical), where the main role I play is Antonia Hernandez attorney, activist and current philanthropist in LA. This work is about the life of activist Chicana Gloria Molina and you do not want to miss it!
Original choreographic work will also be presented at the Women in Concrete production in West Hollywood at Fiesta Hall Saturday September 14th at 2:30 where I will be performing a solo piece inspired by Flamenco and Escuela Bolero Classical embodied vernaculars juxtaposed with contemporary approaches that integrate a Lanuza flare.
I will also be performing at Los Globos in Silver Lake on Sunset Blvd November 7th at 7:30pm as an invited local artists to the LA area.
My short film will premiere at Dance Camera West January 2025 Festival and new music will be released shortly. For now check out what I have on my Spotify Account under Celeste Lanuza and follow my journey on the Gram @senoritaarranca
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 one of my best friends was in town I would take them to the Hollywood sign hike and after ride the horses there to look over the view of all of Los Angeles and reflect on all the possibilities in life! I would also take them to Grand Central Market to eat because the energy in this space is contagious. Going out salsa dancing at Sofitel with my friends in the live band is definitely on the list to dance the night away with friends. Rooftop views in downtown is a must and walking around Grand Park, Olvera Street, and riding bikes on Venice Beach boardwalk for the scenic views and fresh air by the air after walking on the beach and showing them the beautiful Loyola Marymount University where I am a professor in the Theater and Dance Department!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without God I would be nothing and be nowhere. God’s word, voice, and guidance continue to guide me towards the light in every direction. My husband Alvaro Villarreal Ponce also known as Cocolini Broccolini has been extremely supportive throughout so many years dating and long distance relationship at times and constant shifts in my employment while treating my dreams as if they were his. My parents have been my biggest supporters since I was a child in cheering me on sometimes even from afar but teaching me the value of the arts and education. My friends are my village as they have shown up for me and created collaboratively with me for so many endeavors while spoken truth to me reminding me of my potential. Organizations that have given me opportunities in opening up doors for creative projects and commissions to continue evolving my artistic practice have been City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Dance Camera West, Choreographer’s Carnival, and Brockus Dance. Dear friends and colleagues who continue to support me are Robyn Gardenhire, Yuka Fukuda, Anindo Marshall, and Laura Smyth. I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to God, my hubby, parents, friends, and ancestors who I continue to feel pushing me towards my purpose.
Website: https://www.celestelanuza.com
Instagram: @senoritaarranca
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestelanuza/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.lanuza/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyL2PTTwT4
Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4OhUfVwxs
Image Credits
Ryan Eduardo, Carlos Solorio, Skye Varga, Denise Leitner, and Ernie Tyler