Meet Jessica Sanmarti | Dancer, Choreographer, Educator, & Make Up Artist

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

Hi Jessica, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
A teacher once told me in High School, “Dance every step as if it were your last.” I didn’t know at the time how impactful those few words were going to impact my life at age 14. These words influenced more than just dance for me. Many of the choices I have made in both my life and career have been made with the intent to not live with regret and to live life to the fullest. It has been a blessing to have lived my life the way that I have and continue to. Yes, there have been some defeats but those defeats have led me to where I needed to be or who I needed to meet. I tackled my journey head on with what I wanted and I think the most important thing one needs to be successful is clarity. Clarity in your goals. Clarity in what you want, how you want it, and how you’ll achieve it. And above all else, clarity in what success means to you. I’ve literally gone through my life telling myself, “I want this” and “I am going to be this.” My discipline, commitment, and consistency is what has led me to my success and my journey is still going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am very proud of all of the opportunities I have had as both a dancer and a makeup artist. My passion and determination is what sets me apart from others. I am a firm believer in doing what you want to do but you have to do the work to get there. You must believe in yourself too. That is what has led me to where I am today. I barely started my dance training in high school and some would say that is pretty late in the game but there are others who have started even later than me and are just as successful. I have learned that age is just a number and no one can define our limitations. Not even ourselves because sometimes we can surprise ourselves. Looking back I can’t believe everything I have accomplished! It hasn’t been easy and it has been very demanding both physically and mentally. I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities when they’ve presented themselves like going to Joe Blasco Makeup School in between transferring from Community College to UCI, or auditioning to different winter and summer dance intensives. After UCI I danced as a freelancer jumping between companies and jobs while at the same time working as a freelance makeup artist. There were times when I had 3 to 4 jobs at the same time. I think what helped me get through it was my mentality and my love for the arts. I also reminded myself that each job I had was an opportunity and to make it fun. I have learned that everything is a learning experience and sometimes you just have to wing it—improvise in other words. I have also learned that it takes a lot of work to be successful and even to accomplish your goals. Even when you reach your goal—which can seem to take forever sometimes—it passes you in a flash. So we must remember that it is important to savor each step we take on our journey to success. I would like the world to know that

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend visiting I would take them to Disneyland. I am a huge fan of Disneyland. See the city lights at Runyon Canyon. A drive through Hollywood to all the famous locations. One of our many hiking trails or nature scenery like a national park or Big Bear. As for drinks, I would take them to Guildhall in Burbank. For food there is so much, Korean bar b que, Mexican (Las Fuentes), Sushi (Tatsu in Burbank), Ramen (Izakaya or Daikokuya), Pho, pupusas, Chinese, Italian, Indian, and of course PERUVIAN. Peruvian is a must, Lola’s for pollo a la brasa or Chio’s for traditional plates. I would also check out concerts, what’s playing at the Hollywood Bowl or theaters in Downtown LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, my first shoutout would be to the teacher and mentor that told me, “Dance every step as if it were your last,” Mr. Keny Long. My biggest support group since the age of 13 my best friends Sierra, Grace, Lesly, and Elissa. Also all the friends I made along the way in College, both Pierce and at UCI. All the other mentors I have had throughout my life that have challenged and supported me but I also want to shoutout my peers because every single one of them inspire me. A big shoutout to those that doubted me and those that believed in me when I didn’t. My family for shaping who I am and providing me opportunities that they never had. My boyfriend of 10 years for being one of my biggest supporters and also encouraging me to follow my heart.

Website: http://jdsartist.pro

Instagram: jds.artist

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

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11100157/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_jessica%2520sanm