Meet Vanessa Ramirez | Dancer, Choreographer & Actor

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

Hi Vanessa, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
More and more with every audition my favorite affirmation has become “I am enough”. As performers we’re trying to tick all these boxes: you need to be this age range, that type of build, this style of mover, that kind of personality, the list goes on. Speaking for myself, I begin to morph in to a person that I think casting wants me to be; to try and hide in this version of a character they want. Rather than being myself, with the skills I already have, which still make me qualified for the role. The affirmation reminds me first to take a breath. And second, that I received the audition because “I am enough”. Standing there before the panel, or in front of my ring light, or by the microphone, wherever I am: “I am enough”. And all I have to do after that is share a piece of me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is fueled by my curiosity. It’s very prevalent especially in my choreography I believe, this idea of “discovery”. As a dancer it would be my curiosity to see what my body is capable of, which is how I became a choreographer actually. When I was younger I was very flexible, scary flexible. No one really knew how to approach a solo piece for me, many times the conversation was the teacher saying “what can do you?” and I would respond “whatever you can think of!”. I was elated when I was given the opportunity to start choreographing for myself at fifteen, it opened this realm of endless exploration I’m so grateful to have found. As an actor it is my curiosity of the life of a character. I love the magic of discovering an entirely new world in the preparation and performance of a role. It hasn’t been easy, but I never expected it to be. The lessons I learned, however, are so wonderfully simple and everyone is capable of them: show up, be kind, make art, and work hard. Those are my four pillars, I want to be remembered for modeling those beliefs and leave a legacy of thought-provoking work.

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?
Luckily one of my best friends just visited me here in Los Angeles, so I’ve got a bit of a list going already with satisfaction guaranteed! Let’s start at the beach, as always. Reel Inn in Malibu is one of my favorite restaurants, so we’ll be heading there for a sunset dinner after a day at the beach. If we’re feeling lazy I always love a good drive, perhaps we take Sunset all the way to the PCH? Or coast past Griffith Observatory at night to admire the “City of Stars”? If I’m not out driving, or lounging on the beach, I’m exploring different local spots. I love coffee, so I’m happy anywhere with a nice outdoor space and cafe. But I love sharing these hidden gems with my friends most of all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family! My parents Carolina and Christian, and my sister Veronica. I am inspired every day by their love, and support. Thank you.

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessarxmirez/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCAOiPKyA-C7DIUbUoLezg

Image Credits
Jess Alba: Mover Captures Movement, WinnieMuVisuals, Camden Lee Photography, Michael Higgins Photography