Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Cuellar
Hi Ana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Ana Cuellar, Director, Creator and Choreographer
I was born in Monterrey Nuevo León Mexico. I started my career as gymnast, I was also part of Gymnastics Mexican National team.
I Graduated with a Theater degree from the art school Centro de Education Artística (CEDART) Alfonso Reyes and a Contemporary Dance degree from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, School of Performing Arts. While there I was granted the Talent Scholarship as well as the Individual Artistic Development. I completed “The Meisner Master Program” at Truthful Acting Studio in Orlando, Florida.
I joined Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba in 2004 to 2017 where I performed in a group and as a soloist. I was the Team Captain where I successfully managed the Aerial ballet in silk team, assisted the Artistic Director and Head Coach with the implementation of new Artists/Acts, production changes and choreographies cleanups.
I received many awards in 2012 the “Tenochtitlan Award” by Casa Mexico in Orlando Florida, in 2015 the “Successful Mexican Woman Award”, in 2017 the “National award Flama Vida y Mujer” in Monterrey NL Mexico.
I was the Artistic Lead/ Artistic Coach/ Choreographer at Cirque du Soleil at sea, training, and integrating new artists during cast changeovers. .
I am the Artistic Director/Choreographer of Ana Cuellar Productions, a contemporary dance company which produces extraordinary artistic work by collaborating with artists at the highest level in order to create new works that evoke a variety of emotions across diverse audiences.
Ana Cuellar Productions’ creations received a nomination for the 2018 – 2019 Broadway World Orlando Awards as Best Choreography Professional.
Currently I’m the Circus Director of Another Rose and Lola’s Library, an entreatment shows at Virgin Voyage cruise ships
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was born in a less fortunate family but very lovely. I took public transportation every day to go to my Gymnastics and my schools. I traveled 90 minutes one way, this was a challenge but my family always supported me. My big challenge was to find a scholarship for my career because I wanted to study at the university. I was accepted with scholarship for the college gymnastics team of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico. After the first year I was honor with a scholarship for my good grades, and in addition I received an extra scholarship to become part of the Dance Company of the University. I completed my studies with 3 scholarships.
A dance teacher didn’t believe Cirque du Soleil want me because I was a “Mexican” dancer but I remember turning around and saying to him “watch me”.
Sometimes, we will have obstacles in life, but just like in gymnastics you have to trust your skills and you go over them. Keep working hard to achieve your goals. it will make you stronger to overcome anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I love about my work is that I can create by exploring with movement many different emotions.
When I work with an artist in creating acts or dance I make sure to pulling the passion and artistry out of them,
I am so proud of the work I have done in my career, but I am still learning and that makes me exited for the new challenges that will come my way because that is what make you grow professionally.
What’s next?
My plans for the future is keep Creating and Choreographing my own productions and to keep working alongside with Virgin Voyage in their upcoming shows.
My production “EnMi” will be performing at the Orlando International Fringe Festival 2025 and this is great opportunity for a promotion.
I will be presenting my newest production EnMi at The Orlando International Fringe Festival, the longest-running Fringe in the United States that will takes place on May 13th- 26th, 2025.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.anacuellar.com/index.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anacuellar2/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-cuellar-choreographer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnaCuellar1/videos
