Dancing with Purpose: Eric Parra on Broadway, Cultural Roots, and Living Authentically
Photo Credit: Kelly Puleio
In this inspiring interview, Afro-Latino dancer Eric Parra shares a behind-the-scenes look at life on Broadway in Hell’s Kitchen, how his Colombian heritage shapes his artistry, and the power of vulnerability, community, and staying grounded in your truth.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
Depends on the day! Right now a typical week day for me looks like a big breakfast after waking up and making my way to company class or the gym. If I have time to go to the gym after class, I'll do that. Then I'll have rehearsal for the upcoming season at 92NY. From there I quickly go home, have a meal and make my way down to the Shubert Theatre to get ready for my evening show for Hell's Kitchen. There's some variety here--sometimes I have 2 shows so wake up and make my way to the theatre. Sometimes I only have Limón, so I'll take class, rehearse, go to the gym, and rest.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that everyday is an opportunity for me to exercise my vulnerability and humanity. Being a professional dancer means always being present in the moment. This involves a huge amount of risk taking, sensitivity to others, and accountability of self to show up fully in these spaces. The best way to bring dance to life is to give yourself fully to the moment, and that takes a lot of vulnerability.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
My upbringing and cultural background are the things that made me want to pursue dance. I started performing in a Colombian Folklore Dance troupe. I knew I wanted to learn more about dance in high school, where I was a part of a Latin Ballroom dance team, a step dance team, and the school's dance company and theatre troupe. After studying dance in college, I realized I felt most authentically me in spaces that encouraged me to bring my history into the work. Now, as a professional, I find myself seeking diverse work spaces that uplift and invest in POC stories. As a first generation, Afro-Latino, LGBTQIA+ identifying individual, I do not take the responsibility of representing these marginalized communities lightly. To be able to celebrate, bring visibility to, and honor my cultural background through the work I do in my career means the world to me.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
A common question I get is "how do you make your body do that?" or "how do you remember all those steps?". My answer is simple--it's my job!
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
My biggest obstacle has come from myself--pushing through thoughts of discomfort or disbelief in my ability to succeed in new work or in new spaces. I've overcome it by facing it. I've overcome it by pushing through and reminding myself in those moments that I am valid. I have worked for and earned my success. I also remind myself that I must continue to forge forward to make space for those after me. Those moments of hardship can feel quite isolating, and I overcome them by reminding myself I am not alone.
What is the phrase, sentence, or conversation that stopped you in your tracks and changed your outlook in life?:
Two phrases that I keep in my mind are both two Spanish phrases. My grandma would always say "Pa'lante, pa'tras ni para coger impulso." Which (kind of) translates to "always go forward, do not go back, not even to gain momentum." Another one is "Eso que te da miedo, hazlo." Which (kind of) translates to "That which scares you, do it" or "if it brings you fear, you must do it."
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
I wouldn't do either. I am grateful for my own evolution and learning things at the pace my life has gifted me.
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
I am committed to growth no matter what. I truly believe there is always space to reflect on how to grow. Whether it's from within, or how growth can affect the space around you.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
On a Saturday afternoon with no plans, I could be found in my living room. Enjoying fresh coffee, a great meal, listening to some good music, taking time to appreciate a moment of stillness at home.
If you were to meet 10 year old you, what would you say to them?:
I would tell him to always believe in himself. To never be ashamed of where he came from, never shrink for the sake of the comfort of others. I would tell him to embrace all that he is, because that is what will make him successful.
What is something you’re willing to start all over again?:
I'm always willing to be a beginner. Any new work space, social circle, or even personal shift is an opportunity to start all over again.
When are you the happiest?:
I am the happiest when I am surrounded by my family, my friends I consider family, with my partner, or with a close group of POC artists that I know share the same passion of progression for our people with me. I am quite easy to please, but being around people who make my heart warm, especially as we grow older and locate further away from each other truly makes me happy.
What is stopping you?:
I don’t know if anything is stopping me. However, I do know white supremacist leadership/culture is trying to stop people and artists like me.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
I prioritize my self care by making it a part of my daily routine and weekly budget. From scheduling time off in my calendar to financial planning for acupuncture, spa days, or seeing my chiropractor, I try to ensure that self care is a part of my life as much as work and preparation is.
Same goes for imposter syndrome. How do you combat those feelings (if any)?:
Journaling helps me get out of my head when it comes to imposter syndrome. In times of doubt, talking to friends and mentors that know me and my work well are always safe spaces for me to share my feelings. They know me well enough to remind me to snap back into my power, or actually reflect on whether I should retreat a space that perhaps isn't fit with my identity.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
Listening to music on my phone, cooking my cultural meals, and supporting businesses that resemble my customs, heritage and community are important ways for me to stay connected to them.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now?:
18-year-old me would be in complete shock of all the things that have manifested since then. 18-year-old me would be surprised at the courage and strength I have built.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
In my personal life I am most proud of all the love that I am surrounded by. I am so proud to be living in my truth and living my dreams. In my professional life I am most proud of the community and network I have built. I truly feel so supported and inspired in my craft because of those around me and those that have come before me.
When have you felt like you had to hide or change parts of yourself to fit in or be accepted?
Growing up I was in the closet and felt like I had to hide my sexuality to be accepted.
Drink ☕
What is Eric’s go-to drink?
My go to coffee order is a large cold brew with 2 pumps of caramel syrup and a SPLASH of coconut milk! I love coffee, love a touch of sweetness and a splash of coconut to brighten up the coffee just a tad. It's the little things that set me up for my day.
Listening To 🎧
What is Eric listening to at the moment?
Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny has been on repeat for me especially as we approach summer time! Other than that, chill R&B playlists on Spotify always set me up for my day.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Eric’s truth?
I do what I do simply because I cannot imagine myself doing anything else and it truthfully brings me so much joy. I feel that the greater Universe and my ancestors have passed down a precious gift to me and it is my responsibility to nurture it. I find inspiration everywhere. In the past, present and future. I think of all the shoulders I stand on and I feel inspired. I think of my contemporaries, mentors, contemporaries in the arts, and Black/Latinx creators in my field and beyond who break barriers simply by telling their stories through their art. I have recently been reminded of the great philosophy of Ubuntu. "I am because you are." We are one. I am here because of those who have paved the way before me. As I work, I always think about how the work I am doing is making space for those who will come after me.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Eric plugging today?
I have recently been signed on to Hell's Kitchen on Broadway as a full time Dance Ensemble cast member!
More about Eric Parra
Eric Parra is a first-generation Colombian-American artist hailing from Union City, NJ. He began his dance training at Montclair State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. Performance credits include Camille A. Brown & Dancers, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Von Howard Project, and Doug Elkins Choreography, etc among others. Television and film credits include: POSE on FX, Easter at Crossroads by Crossroads Church, Unconquered by Earl Mosley, and WILD: Act 1 by The Black Iris Project. On stage credits include Hell's Kitchen on Broadway (Vacation Swing), Fire Shut Up in My Bones (US Tour), The Life and Times of Malcolm X (US Tour), Awaited (Aronoff Center for the Arts). Eric has staged works for Santa Barbara Dance Theater, Union City High School, Montclair High School, and Montclair State University. This past January he had the honor to reconstruct Jose Limón's There is a Time at Shenandoah Conservatory.
Eric has served as a teaching artist for NJPAC, Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts, Perry-Mansfield Professional Dance Intensive and Bates Dance Festival, among others. Through the José Limón Dance Foundation, Parra has been able to share his knowledge of the Limón technique and repertory through being a lead resident teaching artist for Limón4Kids in NYC Public Schools, sharing masterclasses in various institutions around the country as well as Spanish speaking countries, movement coaching for Limón Pro and Limón Launch students, and teaching open classes in Peridance Capezio Center, Gibney Dance, Bryant Park, and Ailey Extension.
In 2020, he and his cousin Erica Kika Parra co-founded Parra La Gente, a project company designed to celebrate Afro-Colombian heritage through music and dance. Mr. Parra is the recipient of the 2016 Martha Hill Dance Fund Young Professional Award, 2017 Linda Roberts Outstanding Senior Dance Award, has been featured in The New York Times Arts Section (2019), was part of the Arts Professional Learning Institute 2021 cohort. He is also the newest member of the Martha Hill Dance Fund's Board of Directors. Eric is currently a performing artist with Limón Dance Company, and a Dance Ensemble cast member for Hell's Kitchen on Broadway.
The Limón Dance Company is returning to 92NY to close the Harkness Dance Center 90th anniversary season with performances on May 21 and 22 of 2025. Get tickets here.