Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Calmet. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Choreographer – Artivist – Cultural Educator: Calmet is a professional Peruvian dancer, actress, folk choreographer, and specialist in Afro-Peruvian culture. Who has more than 25 years of experience participating in cultural exchanges with organizations in more than thirty countries as a cultural representative of Peru?
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Peruvian Tourism and Hospitality with specializations in Public Policies for Vulnerable Populations and Child Development. She also has a degree in Art Therapy, Intercultural Education, and Community art from CAL STATE University, Los Angeles. She began her artistic training at Teatro del Milenio – “Kimba Fa” in Peru, and then continued her studies with the Conjunto Nacional of Cuba, the Ayala Family in Puerto Rico, with Barbatuques in Brazil; she also studied Flamenco and Contemporary Dance.
She is a Founder and Director of the AfroPeruvian Cultural Center – CEACA (Lima – Peru) and has worked as a choreographer and soloist for the legendary singer Eva Ayllon accompanying her on tours for more than 8 years. She is a scriptwriter, choreographer, and artistic director of more than 20 Peruvian musicals in different cities such as Lima, Seattle, Utah, and Los Angeles.
She is the main initiator of the “Afro- Peruvian Cultural Day” in Los Angeles, CA a first for the city, and is the founder and Artistic Director of the performing arts company the “Afro- Peruvian Experience” in Los Angeles. This company, community activism, and the performance arts, allow her to continue to vindicate, embody, and give visibility to the cultural diversity of Peru. She has given lectures at several universities in the United States and Peru, such as Connecticut University, Purdue University, Indiana University, UCLA, Universidad Católica San Pablo de Arequipa, and others.
For her important work, Calmet has received recognition from The City of Los Angeles, The Consulate of Perú in Los Angeles, as well ACTA (Alliance for California Traditional Arts). Currently, Calmet works as a dance teacher and specialist in the African diaspora dances, as well as creating curricula for multicultural arts education programs in the city of Los Angeles.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy. I am a single mother. I survived cancer, and then migration to this country, which included leaving everything and starting from scratch, without family.
However, my art has been a great support and the “lifesaver” I would say, to continue from resilience; Transforming pain into a work of art. I feel very proud to be a cultural ambassador of my country who always works in favor of education, art, and culture.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As an actress and artist in general, I think that adequate psychological support helps strengthen the path, which is not easy at all.
I also think that constantly complementing our education, staying active in our dreams, and comprehensively understanding the world; understanding that everything is connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nadiacalmet.com
- Instagram: @afroperuvian.experience
- Facebook: @Nadia Calmet – Oficial
- Youtube: @Nadia Calmet – Oficial
Image Credits
Jetsel and Renzo Amado
