Get ready to be captivated by Beltrán, the charismatic gogo bear who’s taking the dance world by storm. Based in Barcelona, Beltrán is not your average performer. His fusion of masculine and feminine elements in both fashion and dance has made him a sought-after talent on the international stage. In this exclusive interview, we dive into Beltrán’s thoughts on bear culture, his activism, and his podcasting endeavors.
Dancing as Liberation
Beltrán’s journey into gogo dancing began in 2018 at Fiesta Ma.Cho in Buenos Aires. It was an opportunity that arose when the party’s promoter recognized his unique dance style, influenced by voguing, pop, reggaeton, and a touch of burlesque. For Beltrán, dancing has always been a passion dating back to his childhood, but expressing his artistry wasn’t widely accepted in his early years. Gogo dancing became the perfect outlet, allowing him to connect with the audience and heal the wounds of feeling like dance wasn’t meant for someone with his body type.
A Dynamic Dance Style
Beltrán’s dance style is a captivating fusion of various influences, making it hard to pinpoint a single signature move. However, his talent for twerking never fails to energize the dance floor. What truly sets him apart is his ability to embrace the rhythm, letting it flow through him and creating a vibrant and mesmerizing performance. As for music, Beltrán’s heart beats to the Latin rhythms deeply rooted in his background and upbringing, but he’s not limited to any specific genre. If it gets the crowd moving and grooving, he’s all in.
Unapologetically Beltrán
Beltrán’s gogo persona is a celebration of his bear essence, but with a twist of rebellion against traditional expectations. He challenges the conventional ‘masc’ narrative, aiming to inspire others to embrace their unique identities. You’ll often find him adorned in a spectrum of pink shades, earning him the affectionate nickname “the pink bear.” This use of pink is not just a style choice; it’s a powerful tool he employs to make a visual impact and acknowledge his connection with femininity.
His gogo persona weaves together diverse aesthetic elements, drawing inspiration from space punk, cowboy aesthetics, and pop culture icons like Care Bears, Sailor Moon, and the Pink Power Ranger.
Championing Acceptance and Diversity
Beltrán’s journey in the bear community hasn’t been without its challenges. He discovered his connection to the bear community when he came out, but he also encountered toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia within it. The pressure to conform to traditional masculine traits within the bear community was evident, but Beltrán chose to challenge these norms. He believes in promoting acceptance and diversity within the community, defying expectations by expressing his gender fluidity and challenging the fetishization of masculinity.
Empowering Through Dance
Beltrán chooses to dance primarily at bear events and parties because these are the spaces where he feels most welcomed. These events celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes, including those like his. While he also enjoys performing at more general LGBTQ parties, the reality is that they often overlook performers like him. In some cases, he has faced uncomfortable situations where people openly ridiculed him or ignored his performance while showering praise on thinner, muscular dancers. Beltrán’s mission is to challenge stereotypes and conventional norms, proving that there’s a place for individuals like him in these spaces and serving as a symbol of confidence and body positivity.
What’s Next for Beltrán
Beltrán has an exciting lineup of gigs on the horizon. Currently, he’s on his U.S. tour, with appearances at various events and parties. From Leather Pride in Palm Springs to Uncut in Downtown LA and Bearracuda in Portland, his schedule is action-packed. Afterward, he’ll be heading back to Barcelona to prepare for Mad Bear Madrid Bear Week in early December.
Beyond the Dance Floor
Beltrán’s passion extends beyond the dance floor. He’s deeply committed to activism and co-hosts the Scruff Latinamerica Podcast, “Scruff Entre Amigos.” He believes in the power of advocacy for LGBTQ rights, challenging fatphobia, and embracing gender non-conforming identities. Additionally, Beltrán is a content creator on OnlyFans under the pseudonym ScruffyStocky.
To connect with him further, you can find him on Twitter, BlueSky, and OnlyFans. Keep the conversation going with this multi-talented, inspiring artist!