The artist, model and dancer, Glorietta Reantaso was on my mind when making the Beaded Series. Like her, they move fluidly and have a refined yet raw feeling. I wanted to see how they’d inspire her to move, letting them become part of the movement rather than moving them out of the way.

Tell us a bit about yourself, where are you from, where do you live, and how long has dance been a part of your life?

I’m an artist, model, and dancer, originally from California. My parents were immigrants from the Philippines, and I have a Dutch cousin and an Indian uncle. We have a culturally mixed, unconventional family—I joke that we’re like the UN.

I have a place in New York, but I’m here in Paris, living a bit of a nomadic lifestyle at the moment. My work as a model takes me all over the world. I also spend as much time by the sea as I can to restore.

Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. There’s an archive of home videos of me dancing around the house. It’s always been a natural form of expression for me.

Describe your style of dance.  Therapeutic, experimental, intuitive. Personally, I don’t practice dance as a performance because, in that context, it becomes for someone else—an audience. For me, it’s an internal act rather than an external one. It’s about expressing feelings within that are difficult to put into words

What are some things that inspire you? 

I’m drawn to borders, edges, and liminal spaces—the thresholds between things. There’s something powerful about those in-between moments, where growth and transformation begin. 

I’m often inspired by dance and dancers like yourself. Of course, the art of movement, but also the personal style. The sense of ease and minimalism, mixed with something very personal. Would you share a bit about what inspires your style, jewelry included?

My father’s side of the family has had a big influence on my style. His sister, a flight attendant who traveled the world, gave me a small leather backpack from Italy and silver anklets from India when I was young—pieces I still have today.

I also have a jade ring from my Lola (my grandmother) and a wooden beaded necklace from my mom—heirlooms I’ll keep forever.

Lately I haven’t been consuming much but I like things with soul. I bring this brown printed scarf that’s like a blanket on all of my travels — I wrap it around my stomach to keep the energy within me. It keeps my stomach warm, which centers me and gives me peace.