This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 Backstage Issue of Showstopper Magazine.
Before she was starring in TV series and recording her own music, Carmen Sanchez was the kid racing through hallways backstage, her mom (a choreographer) with her for every new adventure. One of her earliest memories was her very first competition solo. She was tiny, nervous, and surrounded by dancers she thought were “way more talented.” But then came the moment she still remembers clearly: a pep talk and a huge hug from her mom. “I danced like nobody was watching, and I won first place. It was a core memory for sure.”
Dance quickly became the foundation for everything that Carmen wanted to do. “Believe it or not, dance has been the base for the career I’ve chosen,” she explained. Whether she’s onstage, on camera, or working through choreography for a musical number, that training is still with her. “Having my base and knowledge for dance has helped open so many doors for me.”
On Your Feet!
Her dance foundation was key when Carmen booked the role of Young Gloria Estefan on the On Your Feet! national tour. She was only 8 years old, but the experience shaped her in ways that still show up in her performances today. “It was honestly one of the highlights of my life,” she said. Working with professional Broadway actors at such a young age taught her discipline, focus, and how to hold her own in a room full of adults. “[It] made me want to keep growing and getting better. I learned so much, and now I’m well prepared for anything in my career.”
Traveling across the country and performing for new audiences every night was one of her favorite parts of the tour. “Seeing the different energy in each city made it so exciting,” she shared. And Carmen has one backstage ritual she still laughs about: “I had a very bad habit of getting my costume on like two minutes before places. I loved the adrenaline—but sometimes it stressed people out,” she laughed.
Electric Bloom
Stepping into the role of Jade on Disney’s Electric Bloom opened a completely new chapter for Carmen. Jade is bold, artistic, quick-tempered, loyal, and fiercely herself—a character with layers that Carmen instantly connected with. “I was so drawn to Jade,” she revealed. “I wanted to know more about her and find out through me playing her. Playing Jade was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my career so far.”
Portraying someone with so much fire pushed her in ways she didn’t expect. “She’s tough and impulsive, but also deeply vulnerable,” Carmen explained. “I had to dig deep into her emotional world to understand where all that fire was coming from.”
The challenge ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of the series. “Stepping into her boots made me braver,” she said. “I learned a lot about myself through her.”
The show is full of high-energy performances, big emotions, and group chemistry—all of which came to life in one unforgettable moment during Season 1. “I’ll never forget the night we filmed our first full group performance,” Carmen said. “All the lights, choreography, and live vocals…the energy on set was electric. We all looked at each other like, ‘We’re really doing this.’ It felt like magic.”
And then there’s the music. The cast got to perform original songs written by the legendary Diane Warren, which Carmen still can’t believe. Her favorite track? “My Beat My Drum.” “It’s upbeat, powerful, and feels so true to Jade’s energy,” she expressed. “Every time we sing it, I feel like I’m stepping into her shoes completely.”
Carmen’s Dream Role
If there’s one dream Carmen Sanchez can’t stop thinking about, it’s stepping into the world of Tim Burton. “As a huge Tim Burton fan, I’d absolutely love to work with him one day,” she revealed. “Being part of one of his stories, where every character feels like they’re walking the line between strange and soulful, would be a dream come true.”
Her dream role? A live-action Coraline. “[It] has always been a dream of mine,” she remarked. She loves roles that blend fantasy, emotion, and just a little bit of creepiness. “I’m drawn to directors who create their own cinematic universe,” she said. “Tim Burton has one of the most iconic. His worlds are so visually rich and emotionally offbeat—it’s like stepping into a living dream, or sometimes a beautiful nightmare.”
She’s with the Band
Carmen’s love of music extends far beyond Electric Bloom. She fronts her own group, Carmen & the Havana Band, where she gets to blend live vocals, rhythm, and the cultural influence she grew up with (all while performing with her dad!). Recording music is fun, but performing with a band is a totally different adrenaline. “With live music, it’s all about the vibe and the moment,” she said. “Music has always been my escape and my solution to everything.” And she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “I’m currently working on some music,” she teased. “I can’t say too much yet, but it’s something I’m really excited about.”
Going Backstage
Carmen has spent most of her life performing—but she’s quick to point out that there’s a lot the audience doesn’t see. “It’s not always as effortless as it looks!” she revealed. “There’s so much preparation, nerves, and teamwork that go into making it look natural on stage or on camera.” But behind the scenes of Electric Bloom, the cast kept the energy up by playing music in hair and makeup, taking turns picking songs. “Music was always our reset button.”
When she’s not working, Carmen pulls a lot of inspiration from the artists she studies. “Going to concerts and seeing how performers tell stories through music really motivates me,” she said, naming Tate McRae, Doja Cat, Kehlani, Sade, Michael Jackson, and The Weeknd as major influences.
Advice for Others
With all that she’s involved in, Carmen knows firsthand how overwhelming the entertainment world can feel, especially for young performers trying to find their place in it. Her best advice? Don’t wait for someone else to tell you you’re ready. “Don’t wait for permission—start where you are and keep learning.” She believes every small step matters, whether that’s a class, an audition, a self-tape, or even practicing in your bedroom. “Stay true to who you are and enjoy the process. Everything happens in its own time. Every experience teaches you something valuable.”
