Conversations with Belen Riverol

Today we’d like to introduce you to Belen Riverol.

Hi Belen, 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?
I started at the age of nine when my mom took me to my first dance class. Then I knew I wanted to do that forever. So I started my studies at a dance studio in my neighborhood and I met the people that will introduce me to the industry of dance. Since then I’ve been working in the most important channels of the country dancing and showing my artistry. I’ve also choreographed for musicals in the most iconic theaters of the city where I’m from, Buenos Aires! I wanted more so I came to Los Angeles to train with the most important choreographers of the industry who work for the best artists such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and many more. I made a lot of connections and met the most wonderful people. I had great experiences like dancing at “the Carnival” where all the choreographers showcase their talent. I also got to train in a private group with the iconic Jojo Gomez, Demi Lovato’s choreographer and Janelle Ginestra, J Balvin’s and Pitbull’s choreographer! My dream job is to perform at the Super Bowl!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, I wish it was! In Argentina the economy is very bad, so bad that we cannot save money so I needed to figure out a way that I could live her and afford my training. So I applied for a cultural exchange program called “cultural care au pair” so I got to live with a family and be a nanny and with that money, I could afford my dance classes. I had to leave my family, my home country, everything! Also, people from all over the world come to Los Angeles to go after their dreams, so that means more competition to stand out! What you have to do is stay true to yourself and if you do that you can truly enjoy the ride! I’ve met so many amazing people in LA and I got to showcase my work with them and got the best feedback from people like JR Taylor, Jlo’s choreographer!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a very versatile dancer, I can dance from hip hop to salsa, from jazz to break dance. I can do anything! And I was able to showcase my talent in front of large audiences in theatres in Buenos Aires and also in the tv industry! I’m known for my versatility cause I can do whatever the choreographer ask me for, which I know it’s very valuable since I’ve choreographed too for kids musicals in Buenos Aires and a versatile dancer is pretty much needed. I also traveled to showcase my talent to Camboriu, Brazil in front of a large audience. And I traveled to New York to train in the iconic Broadway dance center! I’m a very resilient dancer, I don’t give up to the many no’s we get in the industry. I believe in myself so much that I know that everything I set up my mind to is gonna happen!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
What I need is to get in a dance studio and put in the work. I also sessions with friends which means get together with friends, play music and start freestyling to get to know our bodies more and more. Since this career is so demanding and exhausting and ungrateful a lot of times, I do need to find myself by reading books, my favorite one is the alchemist by Paulo Coelho, who teaches us that we just need to follow our dreams, the universe/god has our back!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/beluriverol_ 

Image Credits
Edi Roque – @photobydrp Brian Marco – @brianmarco22 Mason Williams – @masevisuals