Building Business Through Dance with Cici

 

You may be wondering what Reggaeton and Femme Dance have in common, right? Both of these styles emphasize fluid, rhythmic movements centered on the hips, as well as body isolations and sensuality. Both styles are used for self-expression and empowerment, often featuring choreography with many urban influences, as well as building confidence for every dancer. 

Today I chatted with Cici to talk to her about not only her dance classes, but also how she built two independent businesses, Elemental Studios with her business partner Serina, and Perreo Queens Denver, to create a one-of-a-kind life that she owns. Let's meet Cici, shall we? 

Cici teaches 2 classes at Elemental Studios, Open Level Reggaeton on Mondays in Studio B at 7:15pm, and Open Level Femme on Tuesdays in Studio B at 7:15pm. She creates a fun and explorative environment in her classes that allows her students to have the opportunity to gain a stronger foundation in the skills that they have and build up their confidence, find growth in styles they may know well, or gain more knowledge that they take with them to build upon in their dance journey.

Originally from New York and coming to Denver, Cici has been motivating her students to always be strong, patient, and focused on their dance goals and individual talents that make them unique and different from others in the dance community. She makes a safe space for everyone who wants to try out her classes. 

She is incredibly talented and inspiring to many. I am super excited to meet her as both a student and a writer of this blog, so let's get into the interview, shall we?

Here is our Interview!

1. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher at Elemental Studios?

Cici: "My favorite thing about being a teacher is sharing energy and space with my students. I love helping them overcome their own internal doubts and fears, and seeing them just grow as dancers and seeing their passion for dance grow."

2. What inspired you to start Perreo Queens, and what does this company mean to you?

Cici: "I started teaching Reggaeton classes here in Denver back at the old GVM Studios because I love the music, grew up listening to the OGs like Thego Calderon, Ivy Queen, Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, etc. As the community grew, I realized there was a need for more Latino representation here in Denver because so many people were so happy to come and dance to Reggaeton, so I created Perreo Queens to create a brand here in Denver that represents Latino culture, Latinos, Latino Women, and our variety of music and culture in one place through dance. We're here and are from so many different countries with so much to give and share, and I wanted something that would represent that so many more people can connect and what is like to be a Latino/a."

3. What advice do you have for new students who want to take your classes but aren't sure?

Cici: "My advice for new students is to just go for it. Never compare or be intimidated by anyone in class; instead, be inspired and let that motivate you instead. It's a marathon, not a sprint." 

4. How did you start your dance journey?

Cici: "I started to dance when I was 5 because I had bowlegged feet, and they figured that it would straighten my feet. It did, haha. But then, I quit because I just felt like I didn't connect. I would dance in my room and at parties. I would use dance as a form of emotional regulation. Anytime I felt an intense emotion, I'd just dance, and the way that made me feel is what made me love it so much. After that, I just free-styled and tried to be a Bgirl for a while. Time had passed, and I was doing other things, but I went through a hard time emotionally in 2019, and I had decided to take a class at a studio for the first time, and that feeling I had with dance came back. After that, I took classes on classes, back to back, I became obsessed and just tried everything I could, and now here we are."

5. What is a fun fact that you would love for us to know?

Cici: "I used to do parkour and compete."

6. Do you have any goals for yourself this year for dance?

Cici: "I personally just want to grow myself and reach new levels creatively, travel for dance, teach in other states, and train more."

7. How have you seen yourself and your students grow through your classes? 

Cici: "I've learned to be more adaptable to different learn styles and be patient, it's been amazing to see my students grow in confidence, skill, and self-expression. Whether it's getting a new move or just feeling more at home in their own bodies, their progress is what keeps me inspired to push myself too."

8. Who are your favorite dancers who inspired you to dance? 

Cici: "My favorite dancers are Ari G, Dexter Carr, Dario Boatner, Camilo Gonzalez, etc, to name a few, I could go on because so many dancers inspire me in different ways."

9. Do you like teaching Reggaeton or Femme more?

Cici: "I can't say I like one more than the other. Each one has a special place in my heart."

10. Who are your favorite music artists right now?

Cici: "KWN, Coco Jones, Bryson Tiller, RMAND, Bad Bunny, to name a few." 

Thank you again to Cici for interviewing with me and taking the time to talk to me about your dance journey, as well as answering some fun questions. I enjoyed talking with you and I can't wait for all the amazing opportunities that await you this year. If you are interested in Cici's classes, make sure you go sign up for her Open Level Reggaeton Class on Mondays at 7:15pm and Open Level Femme Class on Tuesdays at 7:15pm, both in Studio B.