Meet Melanie Valero | Actress

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

Hi Melanie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the Sunshine State Florida, where I was born in Boca Raton. My family is from Colombia, where my hispanic culture has helped me with being bilingual, dancing, cooking and so much more. My parents always had my siblings and I involved in sports and the arts. When I started dancing at an early age, I realized the passion I had for performing. Whether it was hanging out with friends or at a family party I would be so excited to put on a show for everyone, choreographing a dance piece and teaching it to friends or family members. I was taking dance classes at a dance studio, where I then auditioned to be in there dance company. Happy to say I got in and the rest was history! I would always be at the dance studio training right after school till the nighttime. I competed within group dances and solos on the weekends and we would also attend dance conventions/intensives throughout South Florida. Growing up at the dance studio and having my supportive family, friends and dance faculty has impacted me into who I am today. They taught me perseverance, to stay consistent, to have faith and to always believe. They truly helped shaping me into the dedicated and perseverant woman I am today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I believe sets me apart from others in this industry is my perseverant and dedicated personality. I’ve always believed if you want something in life, you got to work for it.

I’m most proud of my growth within this past year as an actress. It’s been a thrill to play so many different characters and look back at all the special moments that have been created in each scene. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me as an actress!

At an early age I began dancing and then joined a dance company in South Florida, where I spent most days after school till the night time training and rehearsing for competitions. On some weekends we would compete at dance competitions and take dance intensives/conventions. Coming from the dance world has shaped me into a hard working, dedicated and perseverant individual. I had to work extra hard when I joined the company since I did not start as young as the other dancers. I would take private classes on top of my training schedule and would always be focused and soon after I was competing with my age division and older.

While my dance journey was unfolding, I also found interest in Drama class at school. I was passionate about performing and dancing so I thought this would be great to join school plays. Of course give me a stage and I was so happy to be acting, dancing and singing.

Any opportunity for performing whether with my dance company, school plays, talent shows and school dance shows I would be apart of.

The journey through all of this was not easy as I had to work very hard and spend many hours working on my craft because I loved it. When challenges came, which they did and still do I would just remind myself that everything takes time and practice. I still have to tell myself till this day when things get challenging to have patience. I think it’s important to know that someones successes is not overnight, that is just the big picture we see at the end, rather it is years and years, countless hours of work being put in day and night.

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?
As soon as they got off the plane I would have to take them to In and Out (there’s one right next to the LAX airport) for a burger, fries and chocolate shake because everyone loves it here! I would also take them on some great hikes like the Griffith Observatory Hike and any in Malibu since they have great views with the water and mountains. We would have to stop by the Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel because you got to do it once! Then after there’s a bunch of souvenir shops right on the pier so I’m sure that’s a stop. I would also have to stop and get breakfast at Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills because the food is delicious. There’s so many hidden gems in this city, the list can go on!

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?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout first and foremost to my Mom and Dad. They have supported me and given me unconditional love throughout my entire life. I can’t thank them enough for their guidance and everything they have done for me. I am truly blessed to have them, Gracias Mami y Papi, los quiero mucho!

I’d also like to give a shoutout to my brother and sister for always being a call away on my LA journey. They are also so supportive and always pushing me to be my best.

And lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to all my friends, family, coaches and teachers who have continuously supported me on my dreams!

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