Itzel Gómez was born and raised in Mexico City, where she began dancing at the age of seven. She received her professional training at the Academia de la Danza Mexicana of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, beginning at age nine. At 18, she began her professional career, performing with independent companies and projects throughout Mexico City, including Compañía de Danza de las Artes and Ardentía, among others. In 2023, Itzel attended San Diego Ballet’s Summer Intensive, which led to an invitation to join the company for the 2023–2024 season. She has continued dancing with San Diego Ballet ever since.
What ignited your passion for dance?
My first ballet classes. It started as a hobby, but over time it became something much deeper and very special to me.
What inspired you to pursue a professional career in dance?
Simply the love I have for it. I couldn’t imagine dance not being a big part of my life.
What is your favorite thing about being a dancer?
I love the discipline and constant challenges. As hard as it can be, there’s always something new to work toward.
What is your biggest dream for your dance career?
To dance as much as I can, explore different roles, and keep growing in confidence as a performer.
When you are not pirouetting and perfecting your pliés, what brings you joy?
Learning new things! I love learning on my own and can get curious about almost anything.
What is the most transformative experience you’ve had as a dancer?
Moving away from home to pursue dance and learning to build a life for myself away from my family.
What is your favorite ballet?
I can’t choose just one! La Bayadère, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Manon, and specifically the second act of Giselle.
What is your favorite role you have performed at San Diego Ballet and what is a role you would like to perform in the future?
My favorite role so far has been a Wili in the second act of Giselle. I love the spooky, supernatural atmosphere of that act. In the future, I would love to dance Kitri in Don Quixote.
What is your favorite local spot in San Diego?
Probably the Embarcadero. I love walking there at night, enjoying the quiet, and you can sometimes spot little bunnies!