Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan C. Ortiz.
Hi Juan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Bogota, Colombia. A city full of diversity, nature, and art! When I was in middle school, my dance teacher told me that she could see I had a love for acting and dancing after a winter recital. Indeed, when I was on stage, I found what I wanted to do in life. One month later, I joined a dance crew and started taking acting classes in some of the best acting schools. in my city
In 2021, I decided to expand my career and move to NYC to start studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Flim Institute. While there, I met most of my friends and colleagues who inspired me and kept my dream alive: To make a living out of my art. Learning the method, auditioning, making mistakes, and trying to figure out how to live in a new city are what have made me the man that I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been all sunshine and happiness since I decided to pursue an acting career. I’ve lived some of my best and worst moments in NYC trying to fight my way through the thousands of actors who also want to succeed.
The fact of not having your family and childhood friends next to you is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. When I act in a play or dance on stage I wish my family was there so we could grab a coffee and hear their opinions. However, even though they are not in NYC with me, we speak daily and I feel their constant support.
Additionally, let’s face it, the language was hard, I don’t think I understand the English language completely but I’ve Improved, now I know that thought, though, and through are all pronounced differently.
Lastly, I think I have been my worst enemy. Acting and dancing are just as demanding and difficult as any other career, that’s why I had to learn how to deal with rejection and to trust the process I’m still figuring it out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actor and a dancer. I started dancing when I was 10 years old. It all started with school presentations and then it turned professional. With my dance crew in Bogota, we trained mainly street-style dances (Hip-hop, Breaking, Popping, Locking, Waacking, etc) but also did some Jazz and Ballet. With them, I won championships in Mexico and Colombia and got the opportunity to represent my country in the Hip Hop International held in Phoenix, AZ.
Acting came a little bit later, after all my acting courses and the conservatory in NYC, I’ve specialized in the method. It is constantly misunderstood, it doesn’t mean losing control and letting go of a scene. Something that I’ve learned is that the method is there when you need it, you have to know how to use it, train constantly, and then trust it.
Not a lot of people are trained actors and dancers, which is why I use it to my advantage. When working in a scene, I use my entire body to express myself, I use the method to connect and make people feel, and of course, add the Latino flavor that I bring to the table.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am more of a book reader rather than a podcast person. My favorite book to learn how life works: Is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Favorite book by a Colombian artist: One Hundred Years Of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. My favorite play: is Times Stand Still by Donald Margulies.
I also believe that you need certain kinds of apps to improve your lifestyle. In my case, I keep my journal on my phone, therefore I have a journaling app. Duolingo is a great way to learn a new language so you can travel the world. And if you are in the acting business you NEED Backstage, Actors Access, and IMDb at least.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.juankortiz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juankortiz_01
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juancamilo.ortizcontreras/
Image Credits
Maria Mutante
