Artist Stories: Dancer Katrina Rodríguez Krupenka
Katrina Rodríguez Krupenka is the dancer behind Mors Ego, the first chapter of Nibi’s fashion film trilogy. In this interview, she shares how movement became a language for ego death, vulnerability, and creative transformation — central themes in Nibi’s artistic universe rooted in slow fashion and handmade craftsmanship in Barcelona.
Meet the Artist
Do you remember the moment dance found you, or you found it?
I think dance has always been a part of me, which is why I’ve danced since I was little. But I do remember one moment that stayed with me: after a long time, it felt as if dance had been forgotten, like I didn’t even think about it anymore. Then, during a small performance I did as a dancer with my group of friends for school, the moment I got on stage something called me back, bringing dance into my everyday life again.
Katrina’s lead role in Nibi’s first fashion film trilogy
Do you remember the moment dance found you, or you found it?
I think dance has always been a part of me, which is why I’ve danced since I was little. But I do remember one moment that stayed with me: after a long time, it felt as if dance had been forgotten, like I didn’t even think about it anymore. Then, during a small performance I did as a dancer with my group of friends for school, the moment I got on stage something called me back, bringing dance into my everyday life again.
What do you feel dance gives you that nothing else in life can?
I like to think of it as my safe place. Wherever dance is, that’s where I can be myself and forget everything that torments me.
“My relationship with dance could be like a lifelong romantic relationship. I’ll never be able to get rid of it because I live in love with it,”
Her Journey as an Artist
How has your relationship with dance changed throughout your life?
Dance is quite a tough journey—any dancer would say the same. You go through so many stages, good ones and especially bad ones, I’d say. So my relationship with dance could be like a lifelong romantic relationship. I’ll never be able to get rid of it because I live in love with it, no matter how toxic it can be sometimes.
Do you feel that dancing is more discipline, more freedom or a mix of both?
I think dance is a lot of discipline, especially if you choose it as a professional path. But it doesn’t always have to be like that. Freedom is the main thing dance should give you. In my case, it’s both.
Discipline, Freedom & the Body as Language
For you, what does it mean to use your body as your language?
It’s a way to release the problems I may be experiencing, and also a form of introspection, getting to know your body and letting go of things that I wasn’t even mentally aware of, yet had been carrying physically for a long time.
Would you say dance reflects who you are, or also who you want to become?
Totally. It reflects who I am. When I dance, I bring out my truest self, the one that doesn’t come out with everyone, and it guides who I want to become.
Nibi x Artist Collaboration – Songs of Innocence
Tell us about Songs of Innocence. How did you become part of the project, and what did you think when you received the proposal?
I contacted the brand through social media, specifically Instagram. When I found out they were interested in working with me, I was thrilled. It was so exciting to collaborate with a brand with such creative ideas. I think it has a lot of potential.
Interpreting Ego, Journey & Creation Through Movement
The film moves through three moments: ego, journey, and creation. What did those states mean to you while dancing them?
In the “ego” part, I was reminded of that egotistical side every dancer has, the one you can feel in a dance studio—something that can spark jealousy and toxicity in the dance world.
“Journey” for me was pure enjoyment, a sort of carpe diem, realizing how far I’ve come with dance and the happiness it brings me.
Finally, “creation” was the last phase, where you could feel the nostalgia, but at the same time it was the most intense one. For me, it meant powerful emotions all at once, held in the most beautiful place I could imagine.
How Textures & Linen Garments Influenced Her Movement
How did the clothing—the weight, the texture—affect the way you moved? And in which piece did you feel most comfortable or free?
The pieces I danced in were incredibly comfortable and light. They didn’t cause any issues or feel uncomfortable at all. The one I felt most comfortable in was probably the black Unison Pants and Heirloom Top.
Inspirations & The Future of Her Art
Outside of dance, what inspires you right now? A book, a song, a memory, nature?
Something that inspires me a lot right now is a master’s program I’m studying, related to Fine Arts; my modeling projects; and social media, because I love creating and sharing content.
Where do you dream of taking your art?
Since unfortunately the art world has so few opportunities and everything depends so much on connections, I would love to get to a point where these opportunities come to me more easily than they do now.
Do you think that by collaborating across fashion, film, music, and dance, something even more special can be created?
Absolutely YES. I think that by mixing all these artistic fields, something incredible can emerge.
Why Art Matters Today
What would you like people to feel when they watch you dance?
What I’d like—and what I try to express—is for people to see themselves reflected, to feel those emotions, to disconnect, and in some way feel liberated, just like I do when I’m dancing.
Personally, why do you think art is necessary today?
Little by little everything is becoming industrialized, full of technology and repeating the same patterns. Through art we can bring out the originality, creativity, and freshness that’s sometimes needed, even if we don’t realize it.