Meet Raquel Fraticelli | Artist | Professional Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raquel Fraticelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raquel, what role has risk played in your life or career?

When I was first starting out in the dance industry, the amount of “no’s” I received far outweighed the amount of “yes’s”. Going to auditions time and time again requires a bit of naive confidence and a whole lot of risk taking. I went through so many cycles of feeling that this was not the right industry for me or I was not good enough – but the cycles taught me resilience and trust.

In true reflection, some of those most meaningful relationships I have built in Los Angeles have been from taking a risk to interact with someone I truly admire. My life has been redirected by the simple act of sending an email, a DM, or even saying hello to someone I admire in a public setting. I am learning to fall in love with “failure” and “no’s” because as time goes on I see my journey start to make more sense.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

In the early years of my dance training, my mentors always instilled the importance of versatility. Though dance holds such a special place in my heart, I have developed my artistry in various art forms.

The first couple years of my professional career were full of so many ups and downs because I was basing my self worth on the jobs that I would book – creating, networking and training from a lack mindset.

Once I reconnected to my versatility, I found that my love for choreographing, producing, directing, teaching, crafting and other skills began to flourish and take me down beautiful pathways. The commercial dance industry moves at a fast pace, so I am constantly looking for ways to produce quality work and work alongside brilliant artist.

I am incredibly proud of the jobs that I have accomplished and the optimistic approach I have maintained through it all. I am looking at the bigger picture now, eager to be a bit more behind the scenes in the creative meetings, use my voice, call the shots and take the lead. Dance has taught me immeasurable lessons and I cannot wait to see how my creativity and storytelling continues to evolve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I will never get sick of adventuring through LA. We are constantly trying out new experiences and planning date night according to new restaurants. The activities will be catered to which friends are visiting but typically begins taking friends and our dog Bodhi on a hike, followed up with food, drinks and more food!

Must visit restaurants are Din Thai Fung, Irori Sushi, Scopa, L’Antica Pizzeria de Michelle, Bacari, Pine and Crane, Salsa and Beer and Joans on Third.

Must visit bars are No Vacancy, Breakroom 86, The Black Cat, Pinky’s, The Blind Barber and Gold Line.

A personal favorite would include some form of live music. One of the best parts of LA is the fact that the most talented artists and entertainment is everywhere you look!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

There are so many people who deserve a shoutout within my story. Top of that list is my partner, Kean. He has been by my side for over a decade now. He works in an entirely different line of work, but has always worked hard to try to understand my work. He has been my greatest support system. He has picked me up after heartbreaking career moments and also flown internationally just to see me on the big stage.

Secondly, I have to recognize my family. In all honesty, they were extremely apprehensive about me leaving home at 18 to pursue a degree in Dance Performance. The first couple years out of college were a challenge, but they have always had my back and continue to cheer me on throughout the process.

Website: https://starstalentstudio.com/portfolio/raquel-fraticelli-dance-choreographer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockieee___/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcfraticelli/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rockiefraticelli8221

Image Credits
Tania Todd, Mike Garza, Mel Mah, Trevor Paul,