Episode 150 | Beyond the Frame with RUBBERBAND Artistic Director Victor Quijada

Knowbox dance
Oct 8
2 min read

#150: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen Podcast, host Martheya chats with visionary choreographer and RUBBERBAND founder Victor Quijada. From his hip hop roots in Los Angeles to creating the groundbreaking RUBBERBAND Method—a fusion of hip hop, ballet, and contemporary dance—Victor shares his journey, creative process, and insights on breaking boundaries, staying authentic in the digital age, and transforming dreams into reality. (48:01)

Chapters

00:32 — Introduction and Welcome

01:53 — Origins of the RUBBERBAND Method

10:41 — Building RUBBERBAND Dance Company

18:04 — Leadership and Team Building

25:13 — Dance Performance and Audience Experience

28:39 — Film and Choreography

36:15 — Creative Process and Innovation

40:49 — Flash Four Q&A

47:22 — Closing and Contact Information

Actionable Takeaways with Practical Tips

Blend Your Influences Boldly – Don’t limit yourself to one style or tradition. Victor’s Rubberband Method shows how combining hip hop, ballet, and contemporary can create a unique artistic voice.
- Tip: List out your artistic influences and experiment with merging them in rehearsal.
Strategic Planning Matters – Innovation in dance isn’t just about creativity—it requires structure and foresight.
- Tip: Set long-term goals for your projects, then break them down into achievable milestones.
Stay Authentic in the Digital Age – With fast-changing platforms and trends, authenticity builds longevity.
- Tip: Before posting online, ask yourself if your content reflects your true values and artistry.
Collaboration Fuels Growth – Victor emphasizes persistence and working with others to push boundaries.
- Tip: Seek out collaborators from different disciplines to expand your perspective.
Inner Dialogue Shapes Reality – A strong inner voice and persistence help manifest big dreams.
- Tip: Develop a regular reflection practice—journaling, meditation, or quiet time—to strengthen your creative mindset.

Bio

Since founding RUBBERBAND in 2002, Victor Quijada (He/Him) has redefined the boundaries of break dance in institutional settings, influencing generations of creators. Born in Los Angeles to Mexican parents, his journey took him from hip-hop circles to Rudy Perez, THARP!, Ballets Tech, and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. His RUBBERBAND Method fuses hip-hop energy, ballet precision, and contemporary angles, showcased in over 40 stage works and acclaimed dance films. A sought-after teacher and choreographer worldwide, Quijada has received numerous prestigious awards, including a 2024 Guggenheim Fellowship, celebrating his transformative and genre-blurring contributions to contemporary dance.