When Dabria Aguilar moved to New York City in late 2022, her biggest dream was to become an actress Moulin Rouge! on Broadway and danced with Contemporary Ballet. Just over a year later, she not only accomplished both of those goals but had a dazzling season with Radio City’s orchestra Christmas pageant,besides. Aguilar possesses superb technique, unlimited versatility and a commanding stage presence, and it’s difficult to predict where the 20-year-old will go next. Currently, she wishes to call Moulin Rouge! Stay home as long as possible.
Aguilar began dancing at the age of three at a competition studio called United We Dance in Somerville, South Carolina. After 10 years as a competition dancer (and a brief one-year stint at the nearby South Strut Theater), she turned to focus on the worlds of classical and contemporary ballet. “This sport has always inspired me, and I’m interested in the life of a concert company,” Aguilar said. This curiosity led her to the Charleston School of Dance, under the tutelage of former New York City Ballet dancer Lindy Mandrajieff Fabyanic. “I would train there from 1 to 4:30 p.m., rest for half an hour, and then resume training again from 5 to 9 p.m.,” Aguilar said of her schedule at the time. “I had been studying online since middle school, and by the time I entered public high school, I had taken enough classes to only go to school in the morning.” While training at the conservatory, Aguilar participated in the Boston Ballet during the summer and the Color Contemporary Ballet Company, among other projects. But when she graduated from high school at 17, she wasn’t sure she wanted to turn down non-concert opportunities. “I applied to a lot of schools, but the one I really loved was Juilliard,” Aguilar said. “When I didn’t join, I had to rethink things. My dance teacher, Dale Lam, suggested that I check out the CLI Conservatoire, which was directed by Teddy Forance. She thought it would offer everything I was looking for, especially in a variety of Keeping an open mind about the genre. As it turned out, Aguilar was accepted into CLI and moved to East Hampton, Massachusetts, for her first year in the program. ” she said. “We did every style you can think of, and I spent those nine months really learning about myself mentally, emotionally and physically. “
By the time she completed the program, Aguilar had signed with Clear Talent Agency and was ready to enter the professional world. On her first day in New York in the fall of 2022, she received a call from Troy Schumacher’s contemporary company, Ballet Collective, and immediately booked the job. Her good fortune continued when she was invited to participate in a workshop with Twyla Tharp at the Joyce Theater for the 2023 season. While working on these jobs, Aguilar auditioned for Radio City Christmas pageant Ensembles and join alternative workshops Moulin Rouge! On Broadway. she booked Moulin Rouge! Workshop in April and fell in love with the show. “After I finished it, I just waited and hoped they would cast me when a spot became available,” she said. But the universe has a different timeline. In late May, she received a call from her agent saying she would be joining the band. Christmas pageant. “I was in the car with my mom in South Carolina when I got the call, and sharing this moment with my parents was everything I had dreamed of and more. Seeing their pride — I felt so blessed.
A week into rehearsals at Radio City, Aguilar got another call from her agent. This time, it was during her lunch break. “I ran out and gingerly answered the phone, and my agent said, ‘Are you ready?’ When I asked, ‘For what?’ I was crying. “Aguilar recalled. “He said I’d been invited to join the Broadway cast. Moulin Rouge! As a swinger, I had the biggest smile on my face. I walked back immediately after the rehearsal and I was just a mess. once Christmas pageant After wrapping it up, Aguilar immediately dove in Moulin Rouge!. “I thought to myself, how lucky am I to be so tired?” she said. Since then, Aguilar said she has learned a lot about herself as a performer and artist. “When I sing ‘Gitchi, Gitchi Ya Ya’ [lyrics of the song “Lady Marmalade”]I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and I’m filled with happiness,” she said.
Aguilar credits her faith for helping her get to this point in her career. “My faith is my foundation and I rely on it in everything,” she said. “I know it’s all in God’s timing. I have so much trust and confidence in Him that I have no anxiety. I know this dream was placed in my heart for a reason and if it wasn’t meant to be, I wouldn’t So hungry for it. As for her future goals? She remains open. “Whatever opportunity comes up in the right way at the right time, I’ll take it if I feel connected to it. ”
age: 20
Favorite dessert: “A nice piece of chocolate cake.”
Lessons she didn’t learn enough: “Josh Athol—he’s awesome!”
Products she swears by: “[Patrick Starrr’s] ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder.