Meet Krystal Castillo of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Castillo

Hi Krystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Krystal Merily Castillo. I am a Dominican American Performing Artist born and raised in Miami Florida. I started dancing when my parents put me in ballet class at three years old. It wasn’t until I was about eight years old that I actually began to flourish in my creative performance. I began to take jazz and musical theatre classes which led me to grow and start to love performing of any kind. It was during middle and high school that I knew I wanted to pursue dance and the performing arts as a career. I took every chance I got to dance and sing. At 17 years old, I moved to New York to study at AMDA Conservatory and fine-tune my classic techniques like ballet and broadway jazz. Two years later, I flew across the country to LA to study more commercial styles such as hip hop, jazz funk, and heels. I am continuously expanding my artistry in the performing arts. I feel as though I have gained so much as an artist by opening myself up to any opportunity coming my way, because of that I have worked with a multitude of artists. Since being in LA I have trained & worked under wonderful choreographers like; Hayden J Frederick, Monika Felice Smith, MaryAnn Chavez, Mary Grace Mcnally and many more. I would not have gotten to this point in my career without Tawanna Hall and Valia Gonzalez, my hip hop and ballet teachers from back home in Miami. I am also lucky to have my family and friends as a wonderful support system.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh of course not. If it weren’t for my support system, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Being in the arts there’s the feeling of being an imposter that I don’t believe ever goes away. No matter how great I feel in my craft it looms over me. Social media does not help that feeling. Seeing others peoples successes and feeling that you are not doing enough. It is a feeling I have had since I was a child, I remember thinking “wow I am so confident in myself yet so insecure”. But it is such a human emotion. In the industry we hear more no’s than yes’ and you have to be careful to not let that affect you. I am eternally grateful that my inner circle is there to ground me and give me a reality check. Everyone’s paths are different and I am doing enough.

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 Performing Artist. I dance, sing, act, film and produce. I specialize in Contemporary, Jazz, and Jazz Funk dance styles. I am also theatrically trained in acting and singing. I am known for my explosive hard-hitting dynamics and versatility in my movement. As well as my vibrant and striking performances. I strive to tell relatable stories that stem from authentic embodied experiences true to myself. I create colorful emotional explorations rooted in my personal experience. I think that is what sets me apart from others, that and the fact that I have no barriers. I am a commercial artist that you may see dance in music videos and then you may also see me on a stage singing a broadway classic. I follow my heart no matter what and do not care how I am perceived. I have learned that as long as you have a humble heart, are willing to learn and stay true to yourself, you can accomplish everything you desire.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Always stay true to yourself and remember that people change and grow. The art you make should represent who you are, not who you think you should be. With that, one should always listen to their body. Time and time again, you see dancers push themselves to the point of injury. Protect your body and your mind. It is okay to put yourself first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://krystalmerilycastillo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalmerily/

Image Credits
Photography by:
Delaney Charlotte Burke
K. James Price
Joshua Andrew Belinda