Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Gonzalez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started dancing at the age of three. As I began to dance, my hunger for more knowledge and experience branched out to other areas in dance. These areas include Ballet, Flamenco, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip hop, & Ballroom. By the age of ten, I began competing nationally. I attended Miami Dade College where I was a part of their Dance program and their Dance team. I was able to choreograph and perform numerous pieces. During college, I was offered the job as a Coach and Choreographer of their Dance Team. At the same time, I was fortunate enough to have danced alongside different artist such as Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony. I began teaching at the age of 17 and instantly fell in love with it. I started off teaching for the YMCA as a Dance Instructor at different public schools. Then, I was promoted to Dance Coordinator. While working at the YMCA, I taught at many dance studios from Broward all the way to the Florida Keys. I found myself teaching over 30 hours a week at seven different locations. Because of this, I was able to save every single penny to make my dream come true. Finally, in 2020, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of opening my own dance studio, Velocity Dance Studio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Every new business has its bumps on the road, and I can say that it was not always smooth sailing. These challenges include passing city codes, pulling permits, and getting licenses. The amount of stress I had made me want to give it all up; however, I did not. I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and began to see all my hard work pay off. My dreams were becoming reality, and I could not have done it without my boyfriend. He was my backbone and support system through it all, and he has helped me every step of the way. Together, we built Velocity Dance Studio or what I like to call, my second home.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a recreational and competitive Dance Studio located in Hialeah. We offer classes such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip hop, Ballroom, Flamenco, & Technique for ages 2-18. We’re a judge free space open to all levels. We aspire young dancers to create through movement and have fun!
Pricing:
- $15 Per Class
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Velocitydancemiami
Image Credits
EPS Photography Star Action Shots
