Meet Trailblazer Katrina Loberiza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Loberiza.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Katrina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to perform. When I was three years old, my parents enrolled me in ballet and gymnastics, at six years old, I started to perform in plays and at nine years old, I began to play instruments. The older I became, the more dance styles I learned including aerial ballet, lyrical, modern, hip hop, and jazz. Being the youngest of four naturally gave me a competitive disposition and I found myself constantly wanting to learn more to become a well-versed artist. I always wanted the roles with the most stage appearances and most lines so I would work hard to prove that I could do so. I continued to dance competitively and perform in plays/recitals for many years but when I started at my university, I decided to pursue a different career path. At this point in time, I set aside my passion for performing arts.

When I got to college, I believed it would be best that I study biology and psychology in order to eventually go to medical school. Because of my competitive nature, I managed to get good grades but I was not genuinely interested in what I was learning. After college, I started a full-time job as a surgical technician and I planned to study for the MCAT while working but deep down, I knew I did not want to go to medical school. I ruminated on switching career paths for several months and one day I finally made the decision to audition for a commercial based dance training program that focuses primarily on hip hop and heels dance styles. Since being accepted into the program I have been presented many dance opportunities. It felt as though I picked up right where I left off. At the same time, I have been attending acting classes to get me back on track to pursue a career in acting as well. As a result, I left my medical job in order to focus on what I am truly passionate about. Currently, I am working remotely for a company that allows me the time to train, go to auditions and rehearsals.

Great, 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?
There have been quite a few bumps in the road for me. As I grew older, I came to the realization that my body would not develop into the desired ballerina physique. Because of this, I noticed that I was not longer booking major roles in ballet despite the fact that I have been classically trained in ballet for over a decade. As a result, I focused on other styles that would permit me to have more stage presence. Fortunately, I developed a liking for other styles of dance and am happy I was given the opportunity to explore them. Ballet has a special place in my heart because it is my foundation but I figured that I was unlikely to become a professional ballerina. Furthermore, I have been injured several times, although, it is difficult to not get injured being a dancer and gymnast. There were many other bumps in the road but the most significant would be the 5-year break I took in order to pursue a degree that I was not passionate about. I could have spent those years solely developing into the artist I want to be. Nevertheless, I am still very grateful for my setbacks because I believe it solidified my decision in pursuing a career in performing arts. Now, I am sure that there is nothing else I would want to be more than an artist.

To the young women starting their journey — You can and will reach your goal if you put everything you have into it. It takes persistence and hard work to get to where you want to be and there is no one stopping you from reaching your dreams except for yourself. There are so many talented people in the world and many of which come to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams but no two people have the exact same thing to offer. Therefore, it’s crucial to find what sets you apart from others and expand on it. That talent is already in you, you just have to be open-minded and find it. Learn to love and trust the process because it is important and will get you to where you want to be. Wouldn’t you rather be stressed doing that you love than stressed doing something you don’t love? Life itself carries many stressors and even though the road to being a successful artist isn’t easy, if it is sincerely what you want to do, it will all be worth it.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in dancing; Most people know me as a dancer but I have branched out into other forms of art. I have had extensive training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, heels, and modern. I’m still broadening on other forms of dance such as Latin, dancehall, and house. Aside from dancing, I love to act and more recently, I have been open to modeling gigs as well. What sets me apart from others is that I’ve touched on many different aspects of art. Besides what I have mentioned before, I also enjoy playing the violin and guitar, photography, and painting. I’m always open to learning more but at the same time, I know that maintaining and developing what I have already cultivated is necessary.

As of now, I am greatly proud of my drive and personal development. Making the decision to switch careers was a big one but I know it was the right choice. I’ve spent so much time and effort to build the skills I have and I know that I will continue to overcome any obstacles that come my way.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I use many resources that keep me in the right headspace! First of all, I find mindful meditation to be useful. I will either use an app or go to a hot yoga class to meditate. I recommend the app “Insight Timer” which includes guided manifestation meditation. I find that this specific type of meditation, which uses the law of attraction, helps me stay focused and connected to my end goal. For hot yoga, I highly recommend hot 8 yoga; It’s definitely one of my favorites. Secondly, since I live in LA I experience a lot of traffic and to take my time driving worthwhile I listen to podcasts. One of my favorites is “On Purpose with Jay Shetty”. I highly recommend listening to the episode with Chrissy Metz– It is so inspiring! Lastly, I often get so caught up in working that I forget to take breaks. It’s important to relax and spend time with loved ones because those are the moments that will inspire you to create meaningful art.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @katrinaloberiza

Image Credit:
Johnny Escalante, Grace Yoon

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