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

Hi Diana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursed a creative career because I believe that creativity brings people together and it has the power to build communities. Through my creations, I have found that once I lay it out in the dance floor or on a canvas, it is no longer mine. It is for the person who is meant to connect to it. If my creations helped someone in anyway, then I did my job. I find that not only does it bring people together, but there is a healing aspect to it that I find rewarding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up, I’ve always loved creating and dancing but didn’t fully start my journey until 2010 as a zumba instructor. Being an zumba instructor opened the door to various opportunities through out the years such as traveling, performing, filming and working with professional ballroom dance competitors who taught me to level up my skills. However, in 2017, I was diagnosed with chronic tendinitis and was unable to walk or stand for short periods of time. I was devastated as I was unsure if I would ever be able to dance again. It was during this season that I started my journey as an artist and began creating as an outlet. This led to me showcasing my work at events and selling my pieces. I found the power of art to be healing as I had dealt with depression from my injury and wanted to give that back to others. It led me to volunteer at a treatment center, giving creative expression classes and it was rewarding to see the glow up from the each client, the moment they finished a project. When we went through the pandemic, I was inspired to continue to teach and gave virtual art classes and was finally able to give virtual cardio dance classes after 3 years of now being able to dance! Years later, I’m still teaching dance and providing painting classes in the community but this time, I’m teaching with a new sense of appreciation and approach. I believe that art and dance not only can empower us but can help us to relive depression or stress from our daily lives, giving us the healthy outlet that we need. When I started teaching, I was so young and didn’t fully understand the position I held as an artist and leader. I see now that it was never about me, or seeking validation. It’s about helping others, giving back to my community and creating an environment that promotes confidence, fun and a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, we forget that it’s the little things that we accomplish that can make a big impact. That what I strive to accomplish in each class, party or event. It took time to finally understand it but if it wasn’t for the injury, or even going through the pandemic, I wouldn’t be where I am today as a creative professional.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1- Disneyland and you definitely have to get park hoppers. One of my favorite restaurants at the park is Cafe Orleans. They literally have the best mash potatoes.

Day 2- Start the morning off with Tierra Mia in LA for their coffee and delicious tres leches muffin and then visit multiple museums such as LACMA and The Broad.

Day 3- Day Trip to Ojai, visit Bart’s Books and check out various shops in the area.

Day 4- Hollywood! Visit Madaame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, see a film at El Capitan and visit the Funko Pop store. End the night with the best Italian Food at Pinocchio’s in Altadena.

Day 5- Breakfast at Uncle Bills in Manhattan Beach, take a drive to SRF Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, then Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. End the night with the best steaks in the southbay at the Bullpen in Redondo Beach and chat it up Leslie Sosa who makes killer drinks and for me, a mean mocktail.

Day 6- Sunset hike near the Griffith observatory! It’s the best view and the best time to do so!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to all my students through out the years for their love and support, to J. Nash for believing in me and to Epicenter Arts + Entertainment for providing a creative space for us dancers to thrive. I am beyond grateful for ‘Spontaneous Creativity’, as this book changed the way I see creativity and my creative career.

Website: https://linktr.ee/theartgroovement

Instagram: @theartgroovement

Image Credits
Portrait Credit: Mirror Self-Portrait Photo Studio

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