Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Cuellar.
Hi Ana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an artist began in Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where I first discovered movement through gymnastics. I became a member of the Mexican National Team, and that experience gave me a strong foundation in discipline, physicality, and performance. Eventually, my path expanded beyond gymnastics into Contemporary Dance, Acting and Aerial Arts.
Over the years, I had the opportunity to perform with Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba from 2004 to 2017, where I became Team Leader for the legendary Aerial Ballet in Silk. That experience shaped me tremendously—not only as a performer, but also as an artist and leader. I learned how powerful it can be when technique, storytelling, music, visual design, and emotion come together to create a complete experience for an audience.
Today, I am the Founder and Artistic Director of Ana Cuellar Productions, a Contemporary Dance Company dedicated to creating emotionally impactful works that blend dance, music, and visual art. One of the most exciting parts of my work is creating a sense of emotional and sensory immersion—inviting audiences into a visual world where movement can communicate things that words sometimes cannot.
My choreography has been presented at international festivals, including the Orlando International Fringe Festival. My Production “THE DRESS” received Critics’ Choice for Best Dance Show, and in 2025 my production “EnMi” received the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Choreography. My work has also received honors such as Best of the Fringe 2026, Patron’s Pick, and nominations from BroadwayWorld Orlando.
Alongside my own productions, I continue to work internationally as a Circus Director for Virgin Voyages and have worked as a Choreographer, Artistic Coach, and Artistic Lead for Cirque du Soleil at sea, creating aerial and ground acts for productions including Viaggio, Sonor, Syma, and Varelia.
Today, I’m focused on expanding my creative collaborations and developing new works that explore the poetic connection between movement and identity. My background in gymnastics, acting, dance, and circus allows me to approach performance from both technical and emotional perspectives. Ultimately, I want to create experiences that move people—not only visually, but emotionally—and invite them to see something of themselves through movement.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’m grateful for every challenge because each one has shaped me into the artist and creator and person I am today.
Coming from gymnastics and transitioning into dance, acting, aerial performance, and circus meant that I was constantly learning, adapting, and sometimes having to prove myself in new environments. There were moments when I had to start from the beginning in a new discipline, a new country, or a new creative space. That can be both exciting and intimidating.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to navigate the uncertainty that comes with an artistic career. There are periods of incredible opportunities, followed by moments of not knowing what comes next. As an independent artist and the founder of my own company, I’ve also learned that creating the art is only one part of the journey. There is the business side, building relationships, finding resources, producing work, leading people, and constantly creating new opportunities.
I’ve also experienced the physical and emotional demands of performing at a high level. When your body is your instrument, you become very aware of its limitations, and you have to learn how to listen to it, take care of it, and evolve as an artist.
But I think some of the most meaningful parts of my journey have come from those difficult moments. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting my own artistic voice. Instead of seeing challenges as signs that I should stop, I’ve learned to see them as invitations to grow and find another way forward.
I think that is also why I’m so passionate about creating work today. I know that behind every performance there is a human story—of discipline, vulnerability, persistence, and transformation. Those are the qualities I want audiences to feel when they experience my work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a choreographer and creator working in the performing arts. My work is deeply rooted in movement, storytelling, and emotion. I specialize in creating emotional choreographies that go beyond the physicality of dance and allow audiences to connect with a story, a feeling, or a personal experience.
I’m especially proud of the productions I’ve created. Each production represents a piece of my artistic vision and gives me the opportunity to bring together choreography, music, emotion, and storytelling in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
What I believe sets me apart is the way I approach choreography as a form of emotional expression. For me, movement is not simply about technique or creating something visually beautiful—it’s about making people feel something. I want every piece I create to communicate, to tell a story, and to leave an impression on the audience. That emotional connection is at the heart of my work and what continues to inspire me as a creator.
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creator is watching an idea that once existed only in my imagination come to life through performers and ultimately reach an audience. I want people to leave my productions remembering not just what they saw, but what they felt. That emotional connection is at the heart of everything I create.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in a modest family, but I was surrounded by so much love and support. From an early age, I learned that having limited resources didn’t have to limit my dreams. I was determined, disciplined, and passionate about gymnastics, acting, and dance.
Every day, I took public transportation to school and to gymnastics training, traveling about 90 minutes each way. It wasn’t always easy, but my family supported me and encouraged me to keep going. Those long journeys taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of staying committed to what you want, even when the path isn’t easy.
Gymnastics taught me discipline, mental and physical strength, balance, and resilience. Those values became the foundation of my work ethic and continue to sustain me as an artist and leader. Gymnastics also taught me something very important: when you face an obstacle, you have to trust your training and believe that you can get over it.
Acting transformed my confidence. I was a very timid person, and through playing different characters, I discovered new parts of myself. Acting taught me emotional awareness, vulnerability, and presence—skills that have profoundly influenced the way I approach choreography today. It helped me understand that every movement can carry an emotion and that connecting with an audience requires honesty.
And then there is dance, which gave me elegance, grace, and the ability to express what words sometimes cannot. Dance fulfills me deeply. It is where I feel most alive and connected to something greater than myself. For me, dance is not simply movement; it is a language and a way of communicating what lives inside us.
One of my biggest challenges was finding a way to pay for my education because I dreamed of attending university. I was eventually accepted onto the gymnastics team at a University in Monterrey, Nuevo León, and because of my athletic performance and good grades, I was awarded a scholarship. Later, I received another scholarship to become part of the university’s Dance Company. I was fortunate enough to complete my university studies through three different scholarships.
There was also a moment in my career that has stayed with me. A dance teacher once told me that Cirque du Soleil wouldn’t want me because I was a “Mexican” dancer. I remember turning around and simply saying, “Watch me.” That moment became a promise to myself. I decided that I would never allow someone else’s doubts to define what I was capable of achieving.
Looking back, I realize that every part of my journey prepared me for the artist I am today. Gymnastics gave me strength and resilience. Acting gave me confidence and emotional depth. Dance gave me my voice.
Life will always bring obstacles, but I believe that, just like in gymnastics, you have to trust your skills and keep moving forward. Keep working hard toward your goals. Every challenge you overcome makes you stronger, and sometimes the obstacles you face become the very things that shape you into the person and artist you were meant to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.anacuellar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anacuellar2
- LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/anacuellarproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnaCuellarProductions
