Today we’d like to introduce you to Dabria Aguilar
Hi Dabria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At just three years old, my mom put me into dance at United We Dance in Summerville, South Carolina. I began on the recreational team, had my first solo when I was just 5 years old to “Hot, Hot, Hot” and thats just where it all began. I often remember being on stage, looking for my moms face in the audience and waiting for my dad to yell, “Go Dabria!”. At 20 years old, I am still doing the same. I soon began on the competitive team and fell in love with competing as a team and soloist, going to conventions to learn from industry professionals, and performing on stage in every style possible. At a very young age, I began to take dance seriously and there was never a doubt it was something I wanted to pursue professionally. At around 13, I trained with the Southern Strutt for a year in Columbia, South Carolina, then eventually found my home at the Dance Conservatory of Charleston under the direction of Lindy Mandrajieff Fabyanic. I was apart of her pre-professional program training many hours a day and thats when I decided there was no one specific style I wanted to pursue but all of them challenged me in such unique ways. Because of this realization, I decided to further my training at CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts after graduating high school early. During those intense nine months of CLI, I was gratefully signed by my dream talent agency, Clear Talent Group, and made the decision to move to New York to get in front of all of my dream jobs. The day I moved into my first NYC apartment, I had a callback for Troy Schumacher’s contemporary project based company, “BalletCollective” for one of their upcoming shows, “The Night Falls”. I was beyond excited to be apart of the company and perform the role of Angela the Athlete, making my NY debut just four months after moving to the city. Soon after, I auditioned for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as an ensemble member and Moulin Rouge! The Musical within the same week. Both of those dreams came true when I was able to perform on the greatest stage in the world with Radio City and started rehearsals for Moulin Rouge within days of each other. I have been a swing for Moulin Rouge for over six months now and to say I am living my dream is the understatement of the year. I am so eternally grateful to God, my family, and to every teacher/mentor who has invested love and knowledge into me at any point in time. I am incredibly blessed to have been loved and supported so deeply throughout my entire journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I do not believe anyones journey is linear therefore of course I dealt with my own struggles and obstacles. In such a competitive industry, I have been told “No” so many more times than, “Yes” so managing the rejections and using them as learning tools rather than jabs to my self-confidence will always be a obstacle. Mental health and confidence in general is a common battle we all take part in, so of course learning through the growing pains and trusting in my faith!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional dancer and performer. My current job is a ensemble swing in the broadway production Moulin Rouge! The Musical. My job as a swing is to know all six heel ensemble tracks and be prepared to go for any one of them at any given moment. Our jobs as swings are often misunderstood or stated with a negative connotation when what really keeps the show going and broadway moving is the understudies and swings! I am honored to be the youngest company member ever!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Charleston will always be home to me! I love the southern and old characteristics to the buildings and architecture downtown. I love how familial it feels and the options for food. I dislike how many people have discovered just how gorgeous it really is!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dabria.aguilar
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dmaoma5?si=gzY8y6c1CqNnlhza
