Alberto Dance: A story of integration through art

When you enter the Albert Dance Academy in the Verón (Bávaro, Dominican Republic) the first thing you notice is that is a space devoted to creativity and learning. Large mirrors for dance lessons, a small catwalk for modeling classes and a very colorful corner dedicated to painting and the plastic arts.

Alberto Salazar, the director, prepares every detail of the next production of the season, Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. Baby tutus, wooden horses, mouse costumes, rest in the corners waiting for the arrival of dozens of girls and boys who come to rehearse the afternoon presentation.

Originally from the island of Margarita (Venezuela), Alberto arrived in the Dominican Republic in 2017, with a group of friends in search for a better quality of life doing what they like: dancing. The opportunity? A contract to perform at musical events for hotels in the Punta Cana area.

Over a period of one year and seven months, Salazar proved his versatility not only working as a dancer, but also as a choreographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, and costume designer. His experience in the Venezuelan art scene, as the owner of an entertainment academy, has allowed him to make a living with his artistic skills in an area like Punta Cana where the tourism sector always requires creativity and entertainment.

Alberto, with earnest effort and sacrifice, has managed to improve himself and build a versatile and prosperous business that already has more than eighty students, “I waited a while to open my academy because I wanted to do something big, something beautiful, something that looked good… I had to earn the trust of the mothers and representatives, at first. A man teaching dance is often misunderstood, but with a lot of respect and seriousness in what I do, I have earned their trust," says Alberto.

He has cultivated an environment where confidence is key, taking care of every detail to ensure a safe environment conducive to learning and artistic expression.

Alberto's philosophy is clear: make a difference wherever he goes and promote artistic culture in the community. Through his academy @albertdance_puntacana, he offers ballet, modeling, acting, theater, singing, drawing, and painting classes, with the aim of forming multifaceted individuals and good citizens.

In his academy he works from Monday to Saturday and some Sundays, tirelessly, because he wants to do a little of everything and make the most of his space. “I like to help low-income children too, who have super immense talent. I have had a small group since they were 6, 7, 8 years old and I have even taken them to competitions in Santo Domingo and winning on multiple occasions,” he emphasizes while showing with pride the trophies and recognitions they have obtained in local and international competitions.

Obtaining the temporary worker card from the Normalization Plan for Venezuelans implemented by the Dominican government was a crucial step to guarantee their safety and expand their job opportunities. “When they started asking for it to let us work in the hotels in the area, we decided to obtain it and having that document has allowed us to continue working. In addition to taking away the permanent worry of deportation, now I feel safe, and I hope to visit my family in 2024.”

Since arriving in the country, Alberto has not been able to visit his family. He has prioritized savings and growth of his business. To obtain his card, he visited the Migration Information Hub, an IOM in alliance with Churún Merú initiative. He appreciates the personalized guidance they gave him to complete his process.

His integration into the country not only has personal goals, he wants to contribute to the community where he lives, share knowledge with children, promoting love and respect for classical ballet, but also for art and culture in general. “There is a lot of talent here, but it requires support, visibility and recognition” and that has become his purpose.

“I have been learning and studying about Dominican culture, from Taíno origins to traditional and modern merengue,” he says. Bachata, the country's musical essence, also became a fundamental part of its repertoire.

In addition to music and dance, Alberto has developed a genuine appreciation for the Dominican people, the beaches, and the solidarity with which they have welcomed him.

His migratory journey has managed to add to his talent and artistic abilities, the immense experience of integrating into a new culture, the learning of being an entrepreneur in a country different from his own, and the richness of solidarity and empathy as a way of life.