Toni Leago Valle shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Toni, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Definitely Integrity though I have an abundance of energy. I have always been a fast thinker, talker, and mover and have often been told to slow down so that people can understand me.
However, my life is built on acting with integrity. Being faithful to my values in my actions is incredibly important to me, as well as surrounding myself with others that do the same.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Toni Valle, Artistic Director of 6 Degrees, an aerial/contemporary dance company in Houston.
Here is my Artist Statement, which really does speak for itself.
As Artistic Director and choreographer for 6 Degrees, I create spoken word, theater, aerial, and dance works. I am driven by the idea that art holds the ability to shift cultural paradigms. By giving varied perspectives on societal and cultural beliefs through my art, I strive to change society’s belief systems that one set of rules should apply to everyone. I think these belief systems not only lock us into harmful patterns; they keep us closed to the evolution of ideas and behavior, therefore blocking our full potential. Children, women, men, humans – we are a diverse species with infinite choices, each specific to ourselves. I believe that true change comes from the individual, and by extension, society, and culture.
I am a human rights and reproductive rights activist, a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar, and a Presiding Judge for Elections. I have worked the polls, marched in the streets, and served as an Abortion Clinic Escort, helping women past the “gauntlet” of Pro-Life protestors to access reproductive care. I have 32 years sober and worked for 7 years in an adolescent treatment center. These life experiences define my art content with two ideas: 1) My art is embedded with the belief that human understanding, interaction, and tolerance is the purpose of human existence and catalyst for growth, and 2) humor is the best medicine.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The catalyst for my world view has always been getting sober at 23 year old. I had a turbulent childhood where I felt alone, angry, and misunderstood, which led to early alcohol and drug use and my subsequent recovery. I’ve been sober all my adult life which includes a 27 year marriage and going strong, a 20 year career of performing and creating art on stage, relationships full of laughter and trust, and a deep commitment to myself and my art.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Do not Listen to Others – what works for them will not work for you.
Be True.
Trust Yourself.
You are on the Right Course.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A cultural shift in our society that we live in scarcity and that some people/groups/communities are less deserving than others. We are duped into believing there is not enough for everyone. Here in the United States alone, we have an abundance of unused housing locations, food thrown away every day, piles of clothing, more money than God to feed and house everyone. Those in power would rather starve people rather than give them the food thrown away.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely born to perform and make art. Even if no one liked it and all I did was dance in my living room, I would still do it (and often do!) I was called to it early. I have loved dancing since I was four years old and have been on stage acting since I was nine.
For many years, I felt more authentic, more true to myself acting on stage than an any other times in my life. Being on stage allows me to strip myself of myself and feel the honest emotions of a character. It is a raw identity, unhindered by my own perceptions and opinions.
In contrast, I came to dance technique late. My first dance class was in college. I stood up front, next to the ballerinas, every class, attempting to copy their form, then cried in frustration afterwards. I am stubborn. which paid off. I performed professionally five years later, at the age of 29, at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
I strive always to combine my acting and my dance to create works that embody characters and meaning, even in abstract dance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.6degreesdance.org/the-artistic-director/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6degreesdance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6degreesdance/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@6degreesdancehouston
Image Credits
All Dance Photos:
6 Degrees Company Members
Steel Sculptures by Shelby Craze
Costume Design by Ashley Horn Dance and Design
Photos by Adri Richey Photography
Photo of Singer-Composer Misha Penton (in hoop skirt outside with sculpture)
Photo by R. Caseres
Photo of George Heathco, Composer (yellow hat)
Photo by Adri Richey Photography
