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March 2023: Lourdes Ruiz and Mexican Dance Ensemble

Who is Lourdes Ruiz in a sentence?

I am a Mexican-Canadian folk dancer, choreographer, teacher and founder of the Mexican Dance Ensemble of Vancouver, currently living and working on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, who loves learning about history and the resilience or power of the human spirit.

Tell us a bit about your work and practice.

I grew up as dancer in a dance community that had a very specific description of what a dancer should be or even look like, apparently there was also an expiration date, so I retired at the age of 23, this was very common at the time.  After been retired for a few years and while living in Canada I realized there was something missing in my life, and thankfully I let go of close-minded thoughts and decided to create my own dance company.

I can say that my practice as an artist restarted here in Canada more as a necessity: necessity of belonging, expression, and love for what was left behind. I went from been a dancer to a choreographer, then I became a teacher. Today, my practice is based in my early dance experiences (the good and the bad-as I call it sometimes), the technique (zapateado) and the resilience of the community we have created.

How long have you been dancing?

My whole life, even if I retired professionally for a few years, I like to think I never stopped and that allowed me to come back stronger and better.

How does dance fit into your life currently? 

Dance is a very important part of my day, every day, as a choreographer I am usually looking for inspiration in the daily life events, currently working on 10 original pieces for this season and a few others for special events.

How would you describe dance’s impact on your life?

As I mentioned above dance has been essential for me, and I love to think that me and my dance have evolved together, we have been through a journey of growth, self-discovery, and resilience. Today, I see dance with no boundaries or barriers, for the ones thinking if they can or cannot do something remember: start with what you have and where you are, it’s never too soon, its never too late.

What three core values drive your engagement with dance? 

I could mention more than three, however I would say:

Creativity

Determination

Persistency

Do you have a particular practice that you carry out each day or have you implemented new practices as a way of adapting to the current climate?

I try to focus on the positive and the present. There is no doubt that the past two years have changed us, and we are constantly adapting.

What would you say are the most significant benefits for you in being a Dance Centre member?

Scotiabank Dance Centre is a great and affordable space. I am looking forward to collaborating more closely with the Dance Centre and to take advantage of the variety of benefits offered here.

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Photos: Thomas Gould