Forging a Path to Belonging with Claudia Pawl

In this special interview we sit down with cultural leader, performer, and interpreter Claudia Pawl. She shares how she created her own path for belonging in a bicultural community as well as empowering others to do the same.

How has the vibrant arts community in Carbondale influenced your work as a dancer?

“I have to say, its presence alone has been an inspiration and a comfort for me. The tiny gazebo in Sopris Park has witnessed my growth from a scared immigrant child learning Folklórico without adult or funding support, to a dedicated community leader with the honor of serving on the CA board. Witnessing the artistic journey for so many others in this community helped me believe that sometimes all it takes is one brave step to transform goals and hobbies into something more. The multiple yearly events full of life and color inspired me to join.

The first time I saw an event for “Latinos,” I finally started thinking “maybe I do belong here” and “I can dance with all these people I don’t understand.” I found connection through dance. When the language barrier prevents you from creating deep connections and fully being part of community, your only choice is artistic expression. Since then, dance became my favorite language. Today I am committed to cultivating artistic collaboration and unity within our valley’s dance communities. Through Mezcla Socials Dance, my amazing husband Brian and I have also created awareness and a thriving space for Latin dance in the Valley.

 

You’ve done a lot of work as a Cultural Liaison for our Latine community, can you share some insights that have come from this meaningful work?  How do you ensure that the cultural messages and nuances are accurately conveyed in both your performances/events and community interactions?

The most beautiful insight I can share is that we all genuinely want to come together.

The work is more impactful when we are all doing it together and I feel blessed to be a part of a strong group of new generation chingon@s in this valley. Not an easy path; challenging the norms, the traditions and the ‘always has been this way,” not to mention we are fooled into believing that others are different and frightening. We must look within our hearts and make those decisions ourselves. For me, listening to the voices not yet at the tables fuels the constant growth, respect, and curiosity about cultures.

As a professional interpreter, I feel privileged to learn about healing and understanding but most importantly to convey those messages in diverse groups simultaneously. Language justice plays a huge role in ensuring that everyone is seen and heard in the language of their heart. As interpreters we provide an intellectually demanding and highly specialized role, requiring a deep understanding of language nuances, cultural contexts, and subject matter expertise. We must commit to preparation, accurate and faithful interpretation, delivering information in the target language, cultural mediation, confidentiality, and most importantly impartiality. My professional experience allows me to share my knowledge and help with the planning and implementation of these gatherings with everyone’s experience in mind. I am grateful for all the partnerships that have invited me to create something bigger than us with an open heart and a receptive mind. I strive to share love and compassion at every interaction.

 

Can you describe a specific project or performance where you had to blend multiple cultural elements? How did you approach this integration? What role do you believe dance plays in preserving and evolving local cultural traditions within your community? Can you give an example of how your work has contributed to this?

The upcoming celebration at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center has a special place in my heart. Festival del Rancho has grown exponentially due to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. This incredible celebration includes various forms of local and cultural art for kids and adults, inclusion, dancing, music, performances, food, and cultural details such as a Loteria table, bilingual signage, culturally relevant food, and programming plus bilingual emceeing. It has been an honor to be invited repeatedly to participate and to be included in the planning of the event. The Anderson Ranch team there could not be more committed, intentional, supportive, and understanding. Every single voice is valued at Anderson Ranch.

Dance plays a crucial role in preserving and evolving cultural traditions within the Latino community and other cultures. It serves as a living archive of our heritage, capturing the stories, values, and emotions passed down through generations. In many Latino cultures, dance is more than just movement—it is a form of storytelling that reflects our history, celebrates our identity, and connects us to our roots. Traditional dances like Folklórico, Salsa, Bachata, and others embody the spirit of our ancestors and their experiences, allowing us to keep their memories alive while sharing them with new generations.

At the same time, dance is a dynamic, evolving art form. As our communities continue to grow and interact with other cultures, dance becomes a space for innovation and fusion. This blending of styles creates new expressions of identity that reflect the diversity within our communities. In our local events for example, you might see traditional Latin dances performed alongside modern styles or even mixed with influences from other cultural backgrounds. This evolution allows us to honor our past while embracing the present and future, ensuring that our traditions remain relevant and vibrant. Dance of any kind fosters unity and pride within our community. It brings people together, regardless of language or background, to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. No words necessary.

My work in dance locally is palpable and I will always cherish this gift. I have had the privilege of creating something that did not exist in this valley. With the love and support of my husband and the community, I have been able to bring dance experiences to the valley never experienced before, enhancing the love for dance, curiosity about dance connection and the integration of those who never saw themselves as dancers.

 

Where can we find more about your community offerings, or perhaps some upcoming performances? 

Thank you for asking, we are excited to be part of the Festival del Rancho September 21, with some other exciting collaborations and performances coming up.

For more upcoming shows, events, and classes our website is a great one-stop shop! Facebook is used a bunch since most of our audience tends to use social media.

 
Carbondale Arts