Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Perez.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started dancing at the age of 5, and from the first time I stepped into the studio, I knew it was for me! As a child, I trained 6 days a week, 5-6 hours per day. I loved being on stage and knew I had to keep dancing in my life no matter what. I continued training for two years in college under some amazing instructors and ballet masters and then went on to professional work in the industry. I spent about 5 years performing and choreographing for numerous companies and artists. I worked with professional dancers on a live T.V show as the choreographer and continued dancing and training myself. Teaching and coaching other dancers was something I loved to do, and as I got older, I realized that was the path I would take. I pride myself in teaching dancers correctly and focusing on the technique of their training as well as the artistry. Dance is not just an after-school activity but a whole way of life. There is nothing better than pouring every ounce of yourself into one’s training and then watching them grow!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road. I would say that, like many small business owners, there have been some trying times. Going through the pandemic definitely took a toll on the business financially, and there were times when I felt like I would not be able to make it work. Another challenge has been finding a middle ground between being the studio owner as well as the Artistic Director. It is definitely challenging to have to spend many hours on the business side of things and then like the flip of a switch, turn on the creative side of the brain in order to create inspiring choreography and/or give great classes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
An average day for me consists of scheduling private lessons and rehearsals for the week, planning class structure for the day, teaching 4-6 hours of classes, answering emails, planning events, giving pep talks to my students, then going home reflecting on the day and planning what I need to do the next day. A lot of thought goes into each day. I think about what each of my students needs to work on to take their training to the next level and to conquer their goals. I spend a lot of time planning curriculum to assist with this, and to make them the best they can be. No class is ever the same; no choreography is repeated, I create to my dancers’ levels and abilities, and this is what makes us stand out from other Dance Academies. I am so proud of the Academy that I have built over the years; the level of training is undeniable, and the faculty is insanely talented. I always said that if I opened my own studio, I would want dancers to be able to get the best training in All styles of dance, not just one or two. I feel like I have accomplished this goal and am so happy that my dancers get to train in a facility that offers this.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories was when I got to dance with the Backstreet Boys in one of their first concept videos. It was my first look into the dance world outside of my studio and made me realize that I could possibly continue my passion as a career one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.xplosivedanceacademy.com
- Instagram: @xplosivedanceacademy
Image Credits
Natalie Rey Photography
