KARINA ENCARNACIÓN
Dancing
Portrait by Josh Castillion.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture graduate at Barnard College - Columbia University.
Inspiration
What inspired you to pursue dancing?
I started doing ballet when I was 3, then continued with jazz and tap as a child. I later picked up modern, hip-hop/commercial dance, and West African dance. Dance has always been--and will continue to be--my favorite thing to do outside of academics. I am pursuing commercial dance as a career alongside architecture/design.
Choreography by Gheremi Clay for a concept video in St. Louis, Missouri (2019). Video courtesy of Karina Encarnación.
Choreography by Aaron Quini at Brickhouse NYC (2019). Video courtesy of Karina Encarnación.
Time Management
How did you manage to maintain your time?
A lot of sleepless nights and running back and forth from dance studio to architecture studio. Lots of chaos, but I love it. The two balance each other and act as different types of stress relievers.
Resources
What are the bases to start dancing?
I primarily dance at Brickhouse NYC, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance Capezio Center. Take as many dance classes as possible from a variety of teachers. It's a great way to meet new people and to open up new opportunities. I find dance inspiration everywhere, but I am always the most inspired by my peers!
Choreography Karina did for a concept video for CU Gen, a dance team at Columbia (2019). Video courtesy of Karina Encarnación.
Want to #Dance? Follow These Steps!
I am a member of Shinsa, a company directed by Bo Park, and I've met so many wonderful people and good friends since joining her company in early 2019.
