We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Mia Orozco and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Olivia Mia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I don’t think I picked it, I think I was born into it and embraced the fact that I was going to be an artist whether I wanted to or not. My mother was a professional dancer and choreographer, and my father a writer and English professor. I started dancing pretty much when I started walking. What I have pursued has been an understanding that it’s okay as an artist to evolve and to move from being in front of the camera to behind and to help produce creative endeavors. As long as I’m working on a creative project I’m happy.
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 started as a dancer who acted in commercials and music videos performing all over the US and Mexico, and I’ve gone on to also choreograph and produce. I had been running an art gallery the past few years, which has led me to transition to building my own brand Performative Pop-Ups to combine my love for all the arts. Performative Pop-Ups creates unique curated experiences that help people connect with their community, activate their senses, and inspire them. Each event is one of a kind for the repeat visitor. We have all seen a performance in a theater or on a stage with lights and wondered what would this look like from the wings? What if I was standing a little closer to the dancer? What if I was part of the experience? What if this moment was made only for me? Sparked from curiosity, Performative Pop-Ups finds new pathways to present, inspire, and provoke. The intersection of art modalities is where unexpected moments live.
Never stop evolving and keep moving forward. It’s important to reflect, acknowledge what you’re good at and what you suck at, but then get up and start something new. Our time is short don’t waste a second of it. Surround yourself with people who motivate and lift each other up.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
These days it’s all about hanging out in the park with some good food and friends! I’m a big fan of Echopark and love watching the boats all lit up while eating some Pine and Crane. I think a lot more performances are going to start popping up in public places this year! I have a new love for roller-skating and would love all my friends to get a pair and skate in the park! Car rides up the coast with some new music has also been a favorite thing to do for me. In April, checking out the Poppies is beautiful, summertime the beach, and now in the winter driving up the 2 freeway to play in the snow. LA has so much to offer it’s pretty unbelievable!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family are a big part of my story. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a supportive family and friend group. I was always very inspired by Isadora Duncan and her biography. I strive to be an independent free-thinking strong woman. Frida Kahlo is another one I look up to.
Currently, I work a lot with Laurie Shapiro, we have been having small Covid-19 compliant showings and have a virtual show up now:https://laurieshapiroart.
I also work as the director for the Los Angeles Dance Shorts Film Festival with Nicole Manoocheri and work as a choreographer and help produce with Director Ilaria De Plano for various projects.
Website: http://oliviamiaorozco.com/index.php/project/upcoming-dance-film-projects/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performativepopups/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Performative-Pop-ups-216464241768569
Image Credits
Mimi Haddon Laurie Shapiro Alice Yakubovych