Aurélie Garcia starts her interview sharing her story: “I started dancing when I was three,” Aurélie says, “and knew I wanted to be a professional dancer by the age of 17.” While starting at a young age is not a unique scenario, not that many individuals know exactly what they want to do with their lives before finishing school.
Aurélie’s dance career is a compelling reminder that doing what you love with dedication and an open mind creates a flow of abundance, an “alignment of stars,” as they say.
Born and raised in Grasse, a small city in the South of France, she received most of her early training at a local dance school committed to providing students with a multidisciplinary approach to dance: many seeds were planted in a young Aurélie.
Years later, after auditioning successfully for The Ailey School, Aurélie is taking those seeds and blossoming in New York City. While blossoming in a concrete jungle is no easy task, she was ready for NYC to welcome her: the one-year adventure turned into three years, as she won the scholarship program at The Ailey School two years in a row. Being a dancer is grueling work, physically and mentally, anywhere in the world, but training and working as a professional dancer in New York is especially tough. It is also full of unique and diverse opportunities.
Aurélie Garcia (front) performing ‘Advice from a Caterpillar’ in MOMIX’s “Alice” at the Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX. © Patrick Keller, 2021
Dedicated and curious, during her first year working after graduation, Aurélie embraced all the melting pot had to offer: from Afro-contemporary to Chinese-modern, from commercial to street dance styles to illusionism, she has left her mark in many dance companies and with several choreographers, including Ballet Hispanico Dos, Ntrinsik Movement, OCA Dance, Bloodline Dance Theatre, Ray Mercer, Elizabeth Roxas and more. Her experience in a variety of disciplines and styles has consistently proven how adaptable she is, and it is indicative of the richness and professional growth this city allows.
The time spent with Ballet Hispanico Dos strengthened her connection with her father’s Spanish heritage. “Performing with Ballet Hispanico at the Apollo Theater was a beautiful experience. Something like this could have only happened in New York,” she says about those performances.
Kennyth Montes, founder of OCA Dance, is enthusiastic about what she brings to the table. “Aurélie is an absolute gem. I’m so grateful to work with her because she is a natural dancer and makes ballet look effortless. Her motivation and professionalism inspire me and the people working around her.”
Flexibility, both in range of motion and in dance styles, is a key ingredient for a successful dancer. “You have to be flexible with your options and opportunities as well,” Aurélie comments. Still in her early 20s, she projects the essence of a wise old soul. “It’s not about dancing for myself. I dance to give joy to others, to delight the audience. I love performing because I love the human connection and I give as much as I can. Honestly I did not expect all this to happen. You’re not always in control: life happens. I like to take things day by day.”
Aurélie Garcia at FD Studio. © Daigo G.
This attitude, as well as her notable talent and skillset, was what helped her through the long audition process for MOMIX, which for some dancers can be quite nerve-wracking. What started in April of 2019 as a fun experiment with no expectations turned into a four-month experience for her.
Partnering and improvisations were part of the audition, two elements of dance Aurélie enjoys immensely. “I don’t mind missteps during execution: if you are a professional you know how to make it up, and it can lead to the creation of something new,” Aurélie says, sharing her wisdom once again. “You need to keep the magic going,” she adds with a smile.
If you are select to become part of MOMIX, there is only a start date on the contract. The selection process is therefore extensive and considers in detail not only the dancer’s skills and talent but also their character, work ethic, and group fit. Dancers are required to do more than perform in this company, and take on a variety of responsibilities: on tour they manage props, costumes, deal with hitches, etc.
Jade Primicias, also a dancer in Alice, has much to say about her colleague: “Aurélie is the epitome of a young professional dancer. She is incredibly talented, respectful, intelligent, and genuinely kindhearted. I am constantly impressed by her work ethic, artistry, and generosity, and even more so when reminded of how far she has traveled and how much she has overcome to achieve her dreams. Like the role model she is for my ESL students, to whom she spoke about her family’s immigrant roots. She inspires me to work harder towards my own goals.”
Aurélie Garcia in movement at FD Studio. © Daigo G.
Aurélie’s joy of performing with MOMIX as part of the Viva MOMIX and Alice casts was, however, short-lived. She had been touring for just a few months when the pandemic hit and found them performing Alice in Italy. Indeed, two of her three years as part of MOMIX were put on hold due to the pandemic. She is now eager to experience her first full year on tour.
As the touring season picks up in full force, in a serendipitous – but not surprising – turn of events, her first stop outside of the US is France. This will be the first time Aurélie performs on stage in her home country since she left for New York City, seven years ago: talk about a comeback! There will be many friends and family there to see her perform, as MOMIX’s Alice runs from March 24th to April 10th in Paris at Les Folies Bergère (full calendar of MOMIX Viva MOMIX and Alice international tour dates and tickets available here).
There is no stopping this dancing force and while on break in between tour stops, Aurélie continues developing other projects.
Searching for additional ways to nourish the relationship with the audience, she is currently working on choreographing her own piece. Developed with about twelve dancers in mind, her work will touch on human conditions, cultural and religious aspects of life, and society’s tendency to ‘put people in boxes’. Choreography is a skill in of its own, and Aurélie is enthusiastic about the process.
Her story is a reminder that doing what you love is the answer (and we should all be so lucky).
Going forward, Aurélie has only more love to bring. Her dedication is our delight.
