Gabrielle Marino is a 19 year old dancer currently studying to receive her BFA in dance at Northwestern State University. She is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. She received her training at Delarue Dance Centre from ages 2-18. She was also a member of her high school dance team where she attended numerous national competitions. She grew up attending dance competitions and conventions and eventually fell in love with the stage. She is passionate about learning more about her artform!
Since majoring in dance, she has performed in dance concerts and attended dance conferences that have pushed and inspired her immensely. She is currently interning at Basin Arts where she can continue to grow over the summer break! She is excited to expand her knowledge when she returns to Natchitoches in the fall.
Who makes up your art circle?
My art circle consists of the people that I am surrounded by the most. This includes anyone that I have worked with over the years! My friends, teachers, and mentors are responsible for the dancer and person I am today. Whether it’s people that I’ve been dancing with my entire life or people that I have just met, each of them bring something special into my life.
How do you expand your art circle?
I try to expand my art circle by putting myself into new circles. For example, I have recently become Basin Art’s summer intern. I am surrounded by dance and art and am being introduced to people that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more from the communities around me.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
I enjoy learning how to improve my artform, and the best way I know how to do this is by taking inspiration from the people around me. I find it healthy to bounce ideas off of the people that I trust so that I can experiment in a supportive atmosphere. Learning in this way is where the most growth happens.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
I am thankful for what my community has done for me. I am who I am because of the people in my community. Right now, I am taking in all of the knowledge from the people around me so that I can become the most well rounded version of myself. I am focusing on refining my own art form so that I have something to contribute in the future. Meanwhile, I try to contribute my time and energy into helping and encouraging the people that I share my love of dance with!
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
