Jorge is one of the funniest and big-hearted people I know. When I thought about my column, I knew he was going to be a part of it. So I made my first article about him. I want people to see him as I see him. And to learn to love him as much as I do.
When I asked him about my interview, his answer was: „Claro. Let’s do it.“ And he took two hours to answer my questions. Because „it has do be good, no?“
So there it goes: An interview with Jorge Garcia Perez. Dancer, teacher, friend and dog lover.

I chose to teach dance because my passion has always been to help people. Not only in developing their techniques but also to help them develop their passion for dance.
Helping to improve and motivating people is the part I am very interested in; I am very patient and observant, which helps me understand people’s minds and bodies so I can make them feel comfortable and help understand their body. This is how they improve.

The most important thing about teaching is to make people respect themselves in and outside the studio. I believe in making fierce human beings who become humble and strong to have a bright future.

Looking at my students, seeing them improve. That makes me feel very happy and proud.

I don’t think I ever get really angry or frustrated.  Sometimes, my passion drives me a bit nuts, I get very excited and even frustrated. But I always enjoy the challenge and process of those frustrations, which teach me a lot.

I love all of my different groups. They can all give you so much as a teacher! With my little kids, I am challenged to use all my fantasy to make them understand every new step I teach and with my adults, the class is more physical and psychological.

I cannot say if I am a good teacher. I can only say that I love it.

Back when I was in Spain I was teaching together with a physiotherapist. We were treating kids with physical disabilities. I had many „wow-moments“ seeing those kids improve, especially through the communication between us teachers and the physiotherapist. As a result of a lot of everyday effort, I could see how they started getting more aware of their bodies.
This was the time I realized I loved teaching and helping people improve in any way.

I learned from teaching that every student needs a totally different method of teaching or treatment and to care for my students very individually.

Choreography is like working in a lab to me. I’m always pushing my students to explore their bodies, to be aware of the possibilities and work with their limits. I normally create a material which then is adapted by the dancers and made unique by each one of them.

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It is often difficult to find a piece of music depending on the theme or idea you have in mind. But there are times when I hear a song and from the first tone I already know how to use it. I create a whole world around that music piece in my mind.

The preparation for the class is heavily dependent on the level and the people. I adapt the exercises to their needs and level. I build them up with flexibility, coordination, strength, etc. All the things I think are important for a dancer to maintain, improve and be versatile in their style of movement.

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I really like preparing my students for competitions. When my kids from Art&Dance Lörrach come back with their prizes, it makes me want to prepare them even better and to set the bar even higher every year. I love to see them so proud and ambitious.

My future plans:
To keep dancing in the place that gives me joy and happiness, Ballett Basel.
To keep teaching all my students at the Uni Basel, Tanzraum Warteck, Alte Rumfabrik and Art&Dance, who challenge me mentally.
And to keep growing with Carta Blanca Dance together with my beautiful friend and partner Permi Jhooti as the directors. This work is making me more creative and lets me see many possibilities for my future.

“I feel dramatic today.”

It is weird to say but I must say I am proud of myself. I am proud of the results I see in the things I do and how much I am growing in such little time. All this I couldn’t do without the help of everybody surrounding me, all the amazing people who are always there for me and give me so much trust in their lives.

Do you feel like you make a difference with your students / with your work / as a person?

You might have to ask them this question, hahaha…

jorgegarciaperez.com

cartablancadance.com

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