Faithers: Esteban Berlanga
Born in Motilleja, La Mancha, the land of which he is very proud, the dancer Esteban Berlanga has allowed us to meet him in person and hear his story firsthand. Despite his hectic career, which involves hard daily training sessions, performances on Europe's most important stages, and constant travel to receive awards for his achievements, the dancer from La Mancha wanted to show us what lies behind it all. A consummate artist, humble and hardworking like few others, here is his interview.
What motivated you to become a dancer?
I couldn't say what the main reason was. There was never a specific reason... What I always had was art and a desire to express myself in a different way. And being so young, I didn't know that it would unfold in dance.
What was the biggest challenge when you started out as a professional?
My entire career has been full of challenges. Some of them were shaping my body for high-level dance, separating myself from my family, seeing my little brother grow up first, and then my nephews from afar, adapting to other countries with their unique cultures and different languages. But above all, keeping up with the high standards set by the companies I have worked for during all this time.
What has helped you stay motivated since the beginning?
My motivation has always been the stage. I love how I feel inside when I do what I do and the way I express myself when I step onto any stage. It's a world where I feel totally free. Above all, it feels great to think that I can bring joy and change the mood of the people who see me perform. It gives me a lot of mental and emotional strength, as I say, to touch the hearts of the people who come to see our shows.
What habits have helped you to continue giving 100% every day?
Despite the daily fatigue after training, the never-ending muscle pain, the untimeliest injuries, and even the mental heaviness of wanting to do better and better, in this world the most important habit is the constant exercise, discipline, and wanting to be better than the day before. That's why I train so hard and demand so much of myself day after day.
What has been the most satisfying thing about your career as a dancer so far?
There is a lot of satisfaction behind my entire career. Dance gives me life and a lot of joy. The applause from the audience, the messages after the performances, and even messages from children who want to dedicate themselves to this, all this and more is super satisfying. But above all, seeing the bright eyes of my parents and siblings after everything they did for me. It's something so wonderful that it's difficult to explain in words.
What message would you give to that child who wants to become a top-level dancer?
I would tell them to focus on working hard, learning from any teacher they may have, admiring their peers, and observing. You learn a lot by observing. But above all, I would advise them to be humble and to put themselves in their peers' shoes from time to time. And to believe in themselves and in what they want to express from the depths of their souls.
Based on your experience, what is the hardest thing about being a professional dancer?
Dealing with frustration, injuries, fatigue, envy... Sometimes it's hard to rise above all that. It's an art, and like all art, not everyone likes it, but that doesn't mean you're doing something wrong or that you're not cut out for it.
If you had to start over in order to fulfil your dreams again... would you do it?
100% Yes! I would repeat all the experiences I've had, both good and bad, in order to fulfil my dream again.
What advice would you give yourself if you were to start over tomorrow?
I would advise myself not to always try to be perfect and not to do things just to please others. I would try to make myself see and understand that what really matters is what you experience in the process and on stage. For me, that is a life full of light that makes everything meaningful.
Is there a lesson you have learned that you keep in mind every day?
I think there are many lessons you can learn. But thanks to my own experience, I can assure you that with hard work, effort, perseverance, and discipline, you can go very far, no matter what you want to achieve. Just believe in yourself and fight for what you want.
One reason why you smiled today.
For having a really good ballet class. It feels great to see the results of all that effort.
What does having faith in yourself mean to you?
Believing in what you love and if what you love is the driving force in your life is the best thing in the world, even though we sometimes question ourselves and have doubts. Having faith that you can do it and that you can achieve it is wonderful. For me, dance is faith, faith that I can communicate things with my body and my performances, and faith that, thanks to this, I can change the lives of the people who come to see me perform.
If you want more from Esteban Berlanga, follow him on:
https://www.instagram.com/esteban.berlanga/
https://www.instagram.com/estebanberlangafundacion/
