Artist Stories | Coco Alvarez-Mena

Date March 13, 2025

Coco Alvarez-Mena has been a Company Artist with the Joffrey since 2022. A versatile dancer with a unique background, her passions extend from ballet to baking.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Coco is a first-generation Cuban American. She graduated from the University of Southern California's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance in their inaugural class and went on to dance with Oregon Ballet Theatre for three years. In her first year with the Joffrey, she completed her master's degree in Sports Coaching from West Virginia University, as she is quite passionate about sports psychology and mental health for dancers.

We sat down with Coco to discuss what led her to the Joffrey, how her experience has been so far, and where she hopes to go from here.

What brought you to the Joffrey? Can you discuss the process?

All pre-professional young dancers have a dream Company they set as a goal for themselves. The Joffrey was mine. Since the age of 14, I knew that the Joffrey was the Company I wanted to dance for someday. I first attended the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet's summer intensive in 2012 and fell in love with the Company, the city, and the people. I felt truly at home and hoped one day it actually would be!

My journey here wasn’t necessarily easy, but I wouldn’t change any part of it. I auditioned for the Joffrey in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022. When I received the email in 2022 that I had been given a spot in the Company, well let’s just say, it was a surreal experience. I couldn’t believe my dream was finally coming true. I was incredibly excited, nervous, and proud of all the work I had done to earn my spot.

COCO and HER GRAINGER ACADEMY OF THE JOFFREY BALLET SUMMER INTENSIVE GROUP

Since coming to the Joffrey, how has your dancing changed? What have you learned? How have you grown?

Since joining the Company, I have developed as an artist, learned to work smarter, and have grown in confidence. These things have only been possible through the help of my colleagues. Being surrounded by such accomplished artists who are willing to help and share their knowledge is truly a unique opportunity I feel so lucky to have. I believe my dancing has changed for the better as I’ve grown as an actress and continued to improve my technique. I have learned the importance of physical and mental wellness. Knowing my limits and striving for longevity is crucial in a relatively short career. Although I am still working on it, my time at the Joffrey has helped me learn to trust myself, be confident in my talents, and let go of the fear of failure.

COCO AS GRACE TURNER IN CATHY MARSTON'S ATONEMENT

What has been your favorite piece to perform?

My favorite piece to perform has been Under the Trees' Voices by Nicolas Blanc. I had the opportunity to perform it for the first time when we went on tour to Sun Valley, Idaho. I was honored to have been given the opportunity to perform such a challenging piece and share the stage with dancers from the original cast. The music is riveting, the choreography is seamless, and the creative process reflects a time in history that challenged dancers everywhere. Having been created during the height of the pandemic, most of the dancers do not touch each other. I am fascinated by how this piece is truly a sign of the times that has made its mark through its ingenuity, perseverance, and all-encompassing sense of joy. I have so much fun every time I get to perform it and hope to continue doing so throughout my career.

COCO AFTER PERFORMING UNDER THE TREES' VOICES IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Dance is obviously a huge part of your life, but there are likely things outside of it that matter as well. Can you talk about any external hobbies or opportunities you have participated in?

I value the importance of balance in my life. Ballet takes up the majority of my time and energy, but I try to prioritize other facets of my life as well. For example, I love to bake and decorate cakes. I find it therapeutic to work with my hands and only focus on the recipe in front of me. I have been taking Spanish lessons for the past year in an attempt to become fluent. I find it fulfilling to develop a skill that challenges me mentally. Although related to dance, I also teach ballet in the evenings and weekends. Passing on my knowledge to others interested in the art form gives me a greater sense of purpose and reminds me of my love of dance. Lastly, I make the effort to foster personal relationships that I have made outside of the dance community. I find it refreshing to turn off my “ballet brain” and interact with people in other industries.

COMPANY ARTIST NAE KOMIJA WITH HER CAKE BY COCO

What is the most important aspect of dance to you?

To me, the most important aspect of dance is providing an escape, to both the audience and to ourselves as the performers. Giving people an excuse to turn off the noise of the outside world and focus on the performance is a blessing. I find it to be therapeutic and something the world needs more of.

COCO IN ALEXANDER EKMAN'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

What are you looking forward to in the next phase of your career at the Joffrey?

Throughout my next chapter at the Joffrey, I am looking forward to dancing as much as possible and growing in the process. There are some specific roles I would love to perform, but mostly I want to continue improving, putting my best foot forward, and feeling the pride of doing so.