Meet Robby Olmos | Dancer & Artist

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

Hi Robby, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I have always been instrumental with the people I surround myself with. this being said, I have a lot of talented friends and mentors. At times I tend to compare my process and success to theirs; However, as I have been developing my mental grit I have found myself consistently letting myself know that my story is completely unique, and I find this idea to be really beautiful. I now understand, my chapter 10 can’t be compared to someone else’s chapter 25. Before and or after every audition or opportunity I constantly meditate on the idea of understanding, “What is for me will be for me, and what is not will pass.” This has allowed me to enter every room with confidence and a present mind, allowing me to unleash my truest self.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a versatile artist. Whenever I am creating pieces or being used as a mover, I always listen to the music first and understand what the essence is, I then try to relate this information to my personal life and figure out how my experiential life can be brought to the movement. From there I look for musicality and effort-quality opportunities. As eloquent as this may sound, it has definitely been a disheveled mess getting to my theory of artistic approach. At a young age, I was really fascinated with huge tv productions that had larger-than-life aesthetics and visuals. This being my first interest as a kid, I remember other kids my age asking for video games, toys, and iPhones, but I decided to ask my parents for fog machines, professional LED lighting, and confetti cannons. I was so meticulous as a kid when I put on my weekly shows for my parents. The purpose of me spelling this out is to show that I see dance as only one medium of my artistry, I have an eye for production value, visuals, and aesthetics. because of how big my dreams and wishes are it was only necessary for me to dive deep into the history of dance and the glamorized era of old Hollywood. Busby Berkeley and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker are some of my major inspirations when I create movement. Busby’s eye for visuals is timeless and breathtaking while Anne has inspired me to release into my work rather than forcing artistry. Because of my understanding of the production side of visual art, I have used this to my advantage on different jobs. this has allowed me to try to tap into choreographers’ and creative directors’ brain. This is where I pride myself on being a smart dancer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take them to go get brunch at Aroma cafe and use that as a time to reconnect over some good food. I would then go shopping with them at the Grove! Because I have a lot of dance friends, I would spend a day going to dance classes. I would also set aside some time for us to find a studio to just have an improv jam. I would have to set a day aside for self-care! I would start the day with an early morning hike in Malibu at Zuma Canyon. then obviously fuel the body with a smoothie bowl! I am a huge fan of Malibus beaches so I would spend the rest of the day swimming and sunbathing at El Matador Beach. On the last day, I would take them to the Getty, then end that day at the Griffith Observatory to watch the sunset!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am extremely grateful for my parent’s support throughout my journey! this may seem like an obvious answer but I am so blessed to have two consistently providing me with the knowledge and tools I need in order to be a successful artist. I see parents as an obvious means of support, however, I am forever grateful for the way they have shown support. I feel as though they have done this in a specific way that has taught me to be a humble leader, with a strong work ethic and a firm spiritual center. Whenever I think about the conversation I had with my dad before I moved from Texas to start my professional career, he told me, “Do something, something happens. Do nothing nothing happens.” This is such a dad thing to say but its simplicity goes a long way. This quote has cleared my vision on so many occasions, it has given me the ability to take hold of opportunities and run with them. It made me feel like the author of my own story.

Instagram: @mr.olmos_

Image Credits
Photography: Alissa Roseborough