#FFB: Tanairi Sade Vazquez
"Hola! My name is Tanairi Sade Vazquez and I’m originally from Alexandria Virginia and I’m a very proud Puertorriqueña haha! Dance was my main focus growing up but then somehow Broadway started my career and I’ve never looked back!"
Tanairi is currently in Hamilton on Broadway
Connect with Tanairi! @tanairi_V13
Q: Can we start from the beginning… What’s been your journey to Broadway?
A: So I was in and out of SUNY Purchase college as a dance major a lot but I somehow still got my degree. Where do I even begin.. after my 1st year in college I left to go do West Side Story the international tour in Europe and Asia for a year. My best friend had told me about an open call for a tour in New York City and she made me go and I booked it! I found this vocal coach the day before my audition and ended up singing Happy Birthday at my callback. So I left for a year and then came back and finished my sophomore year. On that tour is when I learned to sing and I was so freaked out but I ended up loving it. Then that same tour reached out to me to see if I wanted to do the Greece and London tour for a couple of months so I left again then came back haha. I finished my junior year then West Side Story was coming to broadway and they asked if I could audition for it and I was one of the Shark girls and understudied Consuelo. I did west side on broadway for about a year then my parents were like are you ever going to go back and I kept going back and fourth until I said you know what it’s just one year I can do this. I was so fortunate enough to have such amazing teachers that they just let me come back for just a semester. It was one of the hardest things I did but I think the most fulfilling experience ever. I was on Broadway, got to go back to college to graduate in a semester, paid it all on my own and got my degree. On top of that West Side started my career and as a Puerto Rican I got to represent the little island I’m from and tell this amazing story.
Q: What’s your personal definition of being “Fit for Broadway”?
A: Finding and maintaining not just your body but also your mind and soul at peace and balanced while doing 8 shows a week.
Q: How have health and wellness been a part of your journey as a performer?
A: It has definitely been a huge learning experience for me because in the beginning I didn’t have a diet. I pretty much ate whatever I wanted but then slowly being in this business for a couple of years I’ve learned it’s important to eat well or at least be more aware of what I put in my body. Don’t get me wrong, I have my days where I treat myself because at the end of the day as performers we burn so many calories in just a show and we deserve a little treat for working so hard! During the week I try to eat healthy. I must have a strong breakfast. It’s very important because it’s the first thing that fuels your body and if it’s not enough your body will feel it throughout the entire day. So oatmeal and omelettes with veggies and avocados are usually my go to. Salads, smoothies and fruits are pretty present throughout my week and of course protein then the weekend or day off I just eat what I want haha because I deserve it!
Q: Top 3 tips for maintaining energy for your show.
Water
Sleep
Time alone for yourself (meditation, walk in the park, read a book, yoga, mani/pedi, massage, therapist session, etc)
Q: What’s been a personal challenge you’ve had to navigate as a performer?
A: Well you have to learn to grow tough skin. What I mean by that is this industry isn’t easy. It’s a hustle because sometimes the broadway show you're in closes and then it’s on to the next gig or broadway show and who knows when that will happen. Auditioning is a process too because you're not going to book everything so you have to learn to let go of that experience and move in to the next and on top of that don’t lose faith in yourself and keep pushing forward.
Q: What is a surprising hack, tool, or practice that keeps you "Fit for Broadway" that people might not expect?
A: I love plants. I have a couple now in my apartment and they truly make a difference to the point of when I wake up to when I get home from a show. They just bring a calmness and welcoming energy. They are like my babies I love seeing them thriving and also nurturing them when they need it.
Also meditating when I wake up. I try to everyday but sometimes I dont get to it but it helps or just have a moment to myself close my eyes and take 3 deep inhales and exhales when I feel like my mind is starting to scatter or diffuse. I also love listening to podcasts to keep me motivated, centered and learning.
Q: What creates the biggest impact on your performance feeling great or not so great?
A: Feeling great if I get a good nights rest and I take my time getting ready before show like stretching and listening to music while I put my makeup on :) Connecting on stage with my cast mates and feeling the audience truly engaged throughout the show.
Not so great is not enough sleep, not a good warm up before the show or if I’m rushing, I hate that!!! Also if I’ve eaten too much in btw shows and my costume feels like it’s going to burst haha.
Q: Top 5 products, companies or brands that are shaping your healthy lifestyle right now.
Hyper volt
Pick the brain podcast
Immure core vitamins
Nike
Emergen C
Q: Fill in the blanks…
A: The best part of working on Broadway is… The community. There is no other community like Broadway. Being surrounded by such talented artists and supporting and performing with one another is truly a dream and you find lifelong friendships.
The most challenging part of working on Broadway is…The schedule isn’t a normal 9-5 and for me personally it gets hard during the holidays because we don’t get much time off to go away which for me is Puerto Rico. But again that’s why the broadway community is so wonderful. You build friendships and sometimes spend holidays with those who are in a show with you and who possibly aren't with family either or invite you to their family gatherings close by.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My parents and people who go for what they believe in and don’t look back. Also Jlo and Chita Rivera.
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who have their sights set on Broadway?
A: Everyone’s journey is different so don’t compare yourself to any one else. Stay focused and disciplined. Put in the work, face your fears because they only make you grow as an artist and human. Never stop believing in YOURSELF and be kind! There is no need to be mean or rude to others. People in the industry notice those little things.
Tanairi is wearing “#Fit for Broadway” Tank by Fit for Broadway Apparel.
Photos & Interview by Jane Jourdan.