Today we’d like to introduce you to Ismael Murillo.
Hi Ismael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Mexico learning traditional folk dances, while exploring other art forms such as poetry and painting. I came to the United States in the early 1990s and started my dancing and theater training at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California. During this time, I began touring with many Latin celebrities, as well as dancing and choreographing for different venues and nightclubs in Los Angeles, CA. After mastering many Latin and commercial dance styles, I began to pursue my dance fundamentals in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, African, and Ballroom by studying with professional artists in California, Utah, and Nevada. My sacrifices paid off when I earned my first fine arts dance degree in 2010 at Golden West College.
I have performed with a hybrid of professional dance companies such as Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet, Pacífico Dance Company, Club Guadalajara Folk Ballet, Caron Eule Dance, and Nannette Brodie Dance Theater, and most recently, Jazz Spectrum Dance Company. I have participated in tours in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Europe. I work as a dance Instructor with many different state and private schools, teaching lecture demonstrations, master classes and choreography. I recently trained with the Santa Monica College Dance Academy, teaching children Ballroom dances.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology/Dance in 2020 and also finished my master’s program in Spanish Linguistics in 2022, both at California State University Northridge.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was born in the State of Michoacán, México. I grew up in a small town, (La Piedad) and the ranch where my parents were born. I constantly had a rigid upbringing from my parents, who shared their discipline with all of my eleven siblings, and a poor but civilized and decent lifestyle. I continuously learned to be accountable. And by the age of ten I was studying and working alongside my family’s business. My family’s ability to keep us disciplined is one of the most significant and valuable lessons that have developed effectiveness and success in my life.
My involvement in employment and education has been tough but well-organized; ever since I lived in Mexico, I had to combine my schooling with work duties. Consequently, such development has given me many strong fundamental, which in turn have resulted in boundless success.
Additionally, because I have always been independent, I have been able to support myself by working full-time, and occasionally, I have also performed a part-time occupation.
Despite the hardships I suffered throughout my life, such as Diaphragmatic Hernia [1982], Myopia Lasik surgery (Near-sightedness) [2003], and an Ischemic Stroke [2017], I keep fighting back.
As a proud Immigrant, I could contribute to others through my own experiences by giving samples of my particular cultural, social, and economic growth, and definitely my downfalls.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work schedule has been very flexible thus, I have been able to not only perform different tasks but work different shifts. Currently, I’m working as a front desk receptionist at Best Western Plus. And my hours are 24 to 32 per week due to my dance teaching schedule.
(Age) 10 to 19 (Experience) Agriculture, Farming, Livestock, Commerce.
(Age) 20 to 27 (Experience) Food Service (Prep-Cook, Busboy, Host, Server)
(Age) 28 to now (Experience) Dance Occupation (Performer, Choreographer, and Instructor)
(Age) 37 to now (Experience) Hospitality (Housekeeping Supervisor, F. Desk Clerk, Night Audit)
What makes you happy?
The reason why I want to share my story is because I want to motivate my fellow students and other dreamers like me.
First, as a Mexican immigrant how my dream and desire was simply to accomplish a better life. Fortunately, I’m proud to say I have achieved that and much more.
Second, I definitely would like to share my path as a “Dreamer Student.” Ever since 1992, my life in the United States has completely transformed me. Nevertheless, my persistentency with school has made it easier to overcome all my hurdles.
In addition: I can talk about
• How to adapt to a new lifestyle,
• Learning a new language,
• Work and study at the same time
• To be independent,
Lastly, what makes me happy is being alive and doing what I love the most (dance, dance, dance)
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Steve She
