Raúl Márquez Gaitán

Raúl Márquez Gaitan is an actor (Degree in Dramatic Art at the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Sevilla) and dancer of contemporary dance (Major in Dance at SEAD, Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance), an artistic creator and a social integrator.

I deeply believe in the great power that artistic disciplines have to transform society and people's lives. Since I started training as an actor in Spain and later as a contemporary dancer in Spain and Austria, it was clear to me that my artistic career would be focused on developing social projects. Therefore, for more than 10 years I have been working as a dancer, actor and teacher in different European countries in projects related to the performing arts and disability and other groups at risk of exclusion.

Since I moved with my family to Canada, my goal is to bring my experience and professional tools to develop the field of performing arts and disability, as well as other groups at risk of exclusion in this country.

During this last year in New Brunswick, I have developed several art projects in collaboration with Solo Chicken Productions (Fredericton), as well as an Artist in School Program at Carleton North High School (Florenceville-Bristol).

What led you to become a dance artist?

Throughout my training as an actor, I felt more and more attracted by the expressive possibilities of our body. The universe of movement and body work was such an amazing discovery on a personal level, that when I finished my training as an actor, I felt the need to continue to deepen in the field of contemporary dance.

How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?

Having the opportunity to combine the tools of theater and dance has allowed me to have a much more diverse language and broader resources when carrying out a creative process.
On the other hand, being aware of the transformative power that dance and theater have had in my own life, helps me to connect with other people when teaching a workshop or showing a creative proposal.

What stimulates you most about your practice?

To have the opportunity to share a creative process with others, to explore new expressive paths, to overcome personal limits, to help others in their personal growth.

How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?

I came to live in New Brunswick with my family because we fell in love with the exultant nature of this land.

What motivates your creativity?

To be a restless person. I like to learn and work on skills that, apparently, may seem far away from dance or theater but that can provide you with very valuable experiences or resources at a creative level. Cooking, construction, gardening and music are activities that are part of my life and give me great ideas to bring to the stage.

What is your long-term vision and what do you hope to achieve?

I would like to be able to make a quiet and dignified living from my artistic work.

Why do you think it's important to make art and pursue an artistic career?

Art is a fundamental need for human expression. Art allows us to be in contact with ourselves, with our emotions and our imagination. It helps us to transform our reality and to connect with other people.

Art makes us better people, more sensitive, more open and flexible.

I believe that if art were more present in the daily life of our society, life would be different.

What do you think is the impact of artists' work on communities and the province as a whole?

I have been working for over 12 years through art with communities and groups of very different types and with diverse needs. It is amazing the great power of transformation that artistic disciplines have when it comes to improving the quality of life of people and communities.

Describe what you are most proud of in your career.

What I am most proud of is that I have been true to myself and my needs and have never stopped fighting and pursuing my goals. I have developed work and projects with many people and groups, and I have always had pleasant and enriching experiences.

What advice would you give to people who want to purse a dance career?

Between talent and work, always choose the second option.

Any dream, any goal, is within our reach with work, work and work.