Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlights

Crystal Serrano

Photo by Dez Santana

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Boston Ballet, a time dedicated to recognizing and supporting Hispanic voices within our organization and community. Meet three members of Boston Ballet as they share their stories as Hispanic artists and business leaders, the ways they celebrate Hispanic culture throughout the year, and the importance of embracing and amplifying diverse voices in the arts and beyond.

CRYSTAL SERRANO, ARTIST OF THE COMPANY

When did you know you wanted to be a professional dancer?
I honestly don’t remember when I knew I wanted to be a professional dancer because I didn’t think it was a reality. So it probably wasn’t until I was offered my first contract unexpectedly that I knew I wanted to be a professional.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be everything: a singer, actor, dancer, model, hairdresser, lawyer…

How has your heritage inspired your artistry?
I feel my heritage has inspired my artistry because when I become more in tune with my roots in translation, I am more myself which is all over more genuine on stage.

What is your message for aspiring artists who identify as Hispanic?
It’s not always easy to get the resources you need to succeed but it is worth it.

What are some of the ways you celebrate your Hispanic heritage, this month or throughout the year?
I like to see what events are offered, whether that is with dancing, music, or food. I love listening to Latin music on the regular. It just gets me in an upbeat mood.

Which ballet in our 2022-2023 season are you most looking forward to?
All of them!

What local Hispanic businesses or organizations should we amplify?
I am new to the city, but any and every Hispanic business we should amplify. Even if that means going to a Latin restaurant.

Natalie Correa

Photo courtesy of Natalie Correa

Ernesto Galan

Photo courtesy of Ernesto Galan

Be your most authentic self.

Natalie Correa

NATALIE CORREA, COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER

When did you know you wanted to work in the performing arts?
I’ve known my whole life that I was meant to do something creative. I knew I wanted to work in the performing arts after my amazing PR & Social Media internship with Boston Ballet.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be Jennifer Lopez (my idol)! But seriously, I knew I wanted to be a performer (or do something creative with my life) and use that platform to represent and lift up my community – just like JLo.

What was your first job in the performing arts industry?
I was a PR & Social Media Intern at Boston Ballet during college. My first full-time job was External Affairs Assistant at Ballet Hispánico.

How has your heritage inspired your artistry?
In so many ways! The first thing that comes to mind is my family’s history of working at the iconic Copacabana in New York City (my hometown)! From a young age, I was exposed to Latin music and culture, which has fueled my artistry.

What is your message for aspiring artists who identify as Hispanic?
Be your most authentic self.

What are some of the ways you celebrate your Hispanic heritage, this month or throughout the year?
I celebrate my Hispanic heritage everyday through food, language, music, and more. My favorite way to connect with my Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage is through dance. While I attended the College of the Holy Cross, I was on the Ballroom Team and always participated in the Latin American Student Organization’s Noche Latina, an annual celebration of our culture that included dance performances such as salsa, merengue, bachata, and cha cha chá. These experiences sparked my love for Latin dance (particularly salsa), and I’ve pursued it ever since. I currently dance with the Salsa y Control Company in Allston. I also love spreading the love of Latin dance and music as a certified Zumba Instructor!

Which program in our 2022-2023 season are you most looking forward to?
MY OBSESSION

What local Hispanic businesses or organizations should we amplify?
Salsa y Control Dance Studio @sycdancestudio @andresgiraldosyc

ERNESTO GALAN, VIDEOGRAPHER

When did you know you wanted to work in the performing arts?
I have always been interested in the arts from a young age. I studied music in my teens and later film. It was serendipitous that I stumbled upon the dance world when I did.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I didn’t have any specific career I wanted to do, but I was very interested in free diving and the ocean.

What was your first job in the performing arts industry?
I was working in Hollywood and worked on many movie sets. Eventually, I began to film some bands.

What is your message for aspiring artists who identify as Hispanic?
Be persistent with your goals and aspirations. I feel that being Hispanic has been an asset in my life and career.

What are some of the ways you celebrate your Hispanic heritage, this month or throughout the year?
Every morning I have a large cup of Cuban coffee. It’s a small reminder of where I came from.

Which ballet in our 2022-2023 season are you most looking forward to?
I don’t have any specific ballet that I’m looking forward to more than the rest. I enjoy watching them all! From revisiting the classics such as THE NUTCRACKER, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, and DON QUIXOTE, to new experiences like William Forsythe’s world premiere as part of AS ANTICIPATED and Nanine Linning’s LA MER as part of OUR JOURNEY, this season will be one for the books!

How has your heritage inspired your artistry?
I feel that being Hispanic brings a unique perspective to my work.

What local Hispanic businesses or organizations should we amplify?
I enjoy going to El Oriental de Cuba restaurant in JP. They have the best Cuban food that I have had in the Boston area!

We are proud to stand with our Hispanic community at Boston Ballet, and this article features just a small representation of the full breadth of diverse voices across our organization. For more information on celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in Boston, visit BOSTON.GOV.