THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: V for Angelica Mondol VIAÑA and VALERIE Green

Angelica Mondol:

Every family occasion, I was encouraged to dance — a common experience for someone with Puerto Rican and Colombian roots, Growing up in Brooklyn, dance and movement surrounded me. Whether through observing the intricate footwork of my abuelo Amaury or experiencing the community spirit that arises while dancing with my loved ones, their brilliance inspired me to pursue dance as a career. The more i studied, the clearer it became that dance was my true calling and aligned with my identity.

Green:

My mother put me in dance lessons when I was three years old because I was pigeon-toed, and the doctor said ballet would help! Also, because she was a folk dancer in the former Yugoslavia and loved dancing. This is how I got my start in a suburban studio outside of Cleveland, and I've never looked back.  I never imagined the career I would go on to build, and the experiences, impact, and connections I've made that I cherish so deeply.

Angelica Mondol:

For those of you who know me well reading this, it’s no surprise what my answer is my grandma, Lorsy Mondol Viaña. I’m fortunate to have inherited her character, resilience and wit. My grandmother practically raised me and taught me to respect myself and others. I admire how she stands up for herself and delivers her messages with both humor and intelligence. I love and respect her deeply, and I approach my dance classes with the same mindset she taught me to approach life. Not only am i honored to be her granddaughter, I am the dancer I am because of her. Because of Lorsy, I had my first Ballet and tap class in a small studio somewhere in Kensington, Brooklyn, because she would take me. The rest is history.

Green:

I would say my mom, as she introduced me to exploring and appreciating the arts, and opened me to the desire of exploring and learning about other cultures.

I want to cheat and add in my dad, he gave me my business sense and strong work ethic. I wouldn’t be who or where I am without both of these contributing layers.

Angelica Mondol:

My boyfriend TJ, a visit to an ice cream shop and/or a bike ride around my neighborhood.

Green:

Music and movement.

Angelica Mondol:

Calling my loved ones, baking a dessert, and connecting with nature — whether it’s going on a hike, visiting the beach, or taking a walk in the park.

Green:

Having time to noodle around in my body and partake in exploring embodiment practices with myself. Taking time to contemplate, listen to my higher self, eat healthy and attempt to slow down. The slowing down part is not always so easy.

Angelica Mondol:

Choosing just one thing is really tough! Even though I grew up in Brooklyn, I was lucky enough to have a garden, which helped me develop a strong connection to plants — quite fitting since Angelica is a plant itself.

I currently have a cat named Figaro or Figgy for short, whom my boyfriend and I rescued from the Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Sometimes, I like to call him Figueroa.

Growing up, I had a black German Shepherd named Onyx, who was wise and protective, and briefly, another German Shepherd mix named Café con Leche because his fur looked like milk swirling in coffee.

Green:

I would love to have a cat again, and used to have 2, but I travel way too much and live alone, so for the time being, I am sticking to plants that are easy to care for.

Angelica Mondol:

Ima be real, I enjoy dining out! I am lucky that in both NYC and LA have plenty of great restaurants. Huge fan of Thai food! 

As far as cooking goes, I'm more of a baker and enjoy making treats rather than actual meals.

Currently my favorite meal would be Arepa con huevo with Kola Róman raspado. Super costeña of me.

Green:

I prefer to cook so I know what I am putting in my body. I also find cooking relaxing and pleasurable as well as creative. 

However, I do enjoy eating out with friends on the weekends before or after a show!

Angelica Mondol:

I would relive the past, because I genuinely enjoyed training in ballet, contemporary, flamenco, and Afro-diasporic dances, thanks to the wonderful teachers I had. I also wish I could have danced in NYC during the 90s and early 2000s. Embarrassingly, I often fantasize about living through that era, imagining it was just like the movie Center Stage with Ethan Stiefel. I feel like that’s when the dancers I admire — Linda Celeste Sims, Belen Pereya, Judith Sanchez Ruiz, Paloma Herrera, Tai Jimenez, and Angelica Burgos Rivera — were either training or already in the midst of their career. There’s something nostalgic about the simple leotards without colored trim, the old wooden dance floors with trays of rosin, and the overall vibe and aesthetic of that time.

Green:

While I am curious about the future, I can wait for it. I would relive moments in the past that maybe went by too fast, or I think I could have done differently. Who wouldn’t love a do-over moment!?

Angelica Mondol:

My personal approach to handling challenging people or situations involves staying true to my core values as a human and dance artist. I lead with transparency and clarity, striving to open a dialogue where everyone can be heard and work together to find the best solution. I am sure to maintain my sense of self and dignity in difficult moments. I breathe, take a step back, and look at the bigger picture.

Green:

I try to remember to slow the moment down, breathe, check in with myself, and see what is “actually” happening. It is important to let people feel heard and supported in those moments as best as possible while also honoring my own needs.

Angelica Mondol:

Since the pandemic, my personal life has changed in a few ways. I’ve become more appreciative of the small and slower moments, and the importance of staying connected with my loved ones and community. The pandemic reinfornced my belief that community is super important. I’ve developed hiking as a new hobby and I don’t take traveling to new spaces and places for granted. It has made me priortize self-care and mental well-being.

Green:

I am not sure that it has. My personal life seems to blur into my professional life; I know I need more separation. I have invested my personal time for continued enrichment in various somatic therapies to better understand the effects of trauma on individuals and healing. That might not sound so fun, but somehow it is nourishing, and the learning keeps me growing, grounded and connected to myself, and better at what I do to support people in my various roles.

Angelica Mondol:

The pandemic deepened my appreciation for the value of connection and community in dance, leading me to explore collaboratively with my fellow artists, filmmakers, composers, et cetera.

Green:

During the pandemic, I completed my certification as a  Core Energetics Practitioner and a Somatic Psychotherapist. My artwork has changed along with this, and in the last seven years, I have blended my artistic practice with delving deeper into the delicate emotions and psyche of the performers while creating dances. My interests in teaching have also moved in this direction, as I now facilitate a Somatic Healing Group, Skimming the Surface - A movement Healing Journey, and work with people one-on-one. These movement-related endeavors are fit inside the breadth of my company/organization, Dance Entropy.

Angelica Mondol:

Champion at the Metropolitan Opera.

Green:

My venue Green Space in LIC, Queens hosts a Take Root series, and just presented Ani Javian with Benjamin Roach. I was thoroughly entertained, laughing and smiling. Yet another moment that made me proud to offer opportunities to diverse, bold artists taking risks, and having audiences see them.

Angelica Mondol:

Taking a long shower, envisioning a good performance on stage (take the stage in / savour the space) and gathering with fellow performers for a brief moment of connection before appearing on stage.

Green:

I am rarely performing these days, but towards the end of my performing career, it was about having enough time to make sure my body was ready, and going into a deep state of embodiment and oftentimes trance to support the deep places my solo work was journeying to.

I don’t think I have a spectator ritual, but maybe I should start one! 

Angelica Mondol:

The early days of Ballet Hispánico, founded by Tina Ramirez in 1970, witnessing their performance at The Joyce Theater in 1980, when the dancers would offer insight into the fusion of traditional and contemporary forms, and the impact of Hispanic representation in the arts.

Green:

I would be a fly on the wall three times for Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham, and Josephine Baker.

Angelica Mondol:

Arianna Aquino and Michelle Manzanales’s choreography.

Green:

I have not been performing anyone’s choreography for a long time now. I like just joining dancing for fun these days when I can. Being in my body, enjoying the ride of where the music will take me, and throwing it all out on the dance floor!

Angelica Mondol:

(Re:) Claiming Ballet by Adesola Akinleye (editor/curator). This book made me feel less alone with my thoughts, approach and curiosities while exploring ballet.

Green:

I was recently featured on The Heart of Giving, Miracle of Healing, and Dance Talk podcasts. I recommend them as they relate to conversations regarding dance, modes of healing, and philanthropic organization, and people who help others — all things I care about and are committed to.

Angelica Mondol:

New York City

Green:

I always have a hard time when someone asks me what my favorite or best is. I like many things. But I will say I like cities and countries off the beaten path. I certainly love the Balkans because of my heritage. But I think NYC still tops the cake.

Angelica Mondol:

Instagram

Green:

Instagram, although I wish these things didn’t exist, as all was simpler before, and they take time and energy to maintain. I think it would be better to look out the window and contemplate then to scroll.

Angelica Mondol:

Let your passion shine through in everything you do. Take class from a variety of teachers, and expand your techniques, skills and perspective. Stay open to feedback, but remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Be patient with yourself and know who is in your corner cheering you on!

Green:

Keep learning and connecting to new and diverse people. Find your tribe where you feel accepted, supported, and challenged.  Be courageous!

Angelica Mondol:

Offer continuous financial support to overlooked artists so they have the freedom to pursue their creative endeavors fully. Mention their names in rooms they are not in. Give them more opportunities to showcase choreogrphic work, whether in festivals, exhibitions or performances.

Green:

By going to see their work, and visiting diverse venues to find it. Take risks to see something new — there are so many artists out there to experience, explore, and uplift.

Angelica Mondol:

I think once people see, hear and feel how passionate I am about dance and why I am involved in the dance world, the enthusiasm spreads.

Green:

By inviting people to see any and all kinds of dance. I am certainly enthusiastic about my work and sharing it with others, as well as bringing dance performances and classes to underrepresented communities. I go see a lot of dance too and think it is important to support each other in our enthusiasm.