Today we’d like to introduce you to Gaby Luna.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gaby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was about five years old when I first started dancing. I would change into my bathing suit, turn the cd-player on, and start dancing to the iconic Selena. My mother quickly enrolled me in dance classes at a local dance studio. Since then, I have graduated from the University of Houston, worked with multiple professional modern dance companies, and started my own brand/company; all in the heart of Houston.
I attended the University of Houston in 2011 and was part of the Spirit of Houston as a cheerleader. I continued my dance career into college and pursued a Kinesiology degree and dance minor. Throughout my time at school, I joined UH Dance Ensemble, a dance troupe within UH’s School of Theatre and Dance, under the direction of Teresa Chapman. Consecutively, I was training after school with SoReal Dance Crew, a hip-hop crew representing Houston, Texas. We would perform at local events and compete nationally, winning at various dance competitions…
Throughout school, I was a dance teacher at multiple dance studios in the area. I taught dance technique for modern and jazz styles to students of all ages. For hip-hop, I focused more on dance choreography. Dance has been my work and plays for many years now. It keeps me young, active, and happy. As a teacher, I feel it is very important to keep learning your craft making me a forever student.
Now, I am focusing my attention on choreography and my newest project. In March 2018, my company and I had the opportunity to perform in Mind the Gap Dance Festival premiering our first company work, “time”. This was a great accomplishment for Gllu Dance Company, and we are super excited for what the future holds.
It is a great feeling when your job accounts for both work and play. However, dance is not always a glamorous lifestyle. Many dancers juggle multiple jobs to pay for a lifestyle of their choosing. I have chosen to pick up a second hobby of mine that has quickly transitioned into a form of income.
Photography has become an outlet for me as the perfect fit alongside my career in Dance. My friend was selling his camera, so I took out a little loan to invest in myself. I always loved taking pictures and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to learn more and build on my craft. It began with a few shots of the family, lots of the pups, and vacation footage.
I quickly learned that I LOVED capturing memories. It allows me to go back in time and REMEMBER the way I felt, the way something looked, the way people smiled. I have since been photographing graduation shoots, dance performances, and dance headshots.
For the future, I hope to continue spreading an awareness of the arts throughout my city of Houston. I hope to collaborate with other artists that are interested in cultivating a more prominent and respected arts environment within our city.
I am able to do what I do with the support of my family and friends. They keep me motivated and inspired, but above all; loved.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey has not been a smooth road. I suffer a lot with the comparison. My best friend introduced me to a quote that I have to remind myself of daily: “Comparison is the thief of joy”- Theodore Roosevelt. I struggle with many insecurities because I am great at comparing myself to others people’s careers, lifestyles, etc. It wasn’t until this past year that I have started to learn how to love myself. I have not mastered that yet, but I am certainly working on it. By loving myself first, I can love others wholeheartedly and continue giving the best version of myself.
Besides my own personal battles, being in the arts industry in the city of Houston can, unfortunately, be a challenge when there are not enough funds for projects, jobs for artists, nor support within the community. These are so very important for a dancing artist like myself. I hope to work on improving these factors with other dance arts administrators in the years to come.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gllu Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company name is Gllu Productions. Throughout my dance realm, I offer photography sessions as an opportunity to capture dance performances and dance headshots. Gllu Productions thrives on versatility as it has been open to other types of photography work. I have been commissioned to take photos of Sonic America’s Drive-In Restaurants and Urban Outfitters.
I am most proud of my company because I have combined my two passions together. I love that dance is my work and play, and photography allows me to record my experiences. I enjoy collaborating with other dance artists who have similar mindsets. Creating work with other individuals allows me to stay inspired and motivated to continuing sharing our ideas within our community.
Gllu Productions offers a safe, unbiased environment where artists share their talents with another. With a strong foundation of human connection, we’re able to distinguish ourselves in our own light.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Gllu Productions has so far produced work as a freelance company. The goal is to own a space in Houston that is open to any artists seeking opportunity. By having this space, the artist community can continue to grow and have the ability to showcase what inspires them.
Gllu Productions hopes to be a home, a place of representation for the Houston community as outlet and outreach. I hope for Gllu Productions dance company to also build a voice for dance educators to be inspired to bring movement into the classroom.
Contact Info:
- Email: gabyluna93@yahoo.com
- Instagram: _gllu
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
