Meet Alex Almaraz: Dancer/DJ/Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Almaraz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think about risk I think of it as an important task. In order to achieve what you want you will have to take risk. Often times that’ll mean to sacrifice other things to achieve what it is you want. All the risks I took and even the risk I took in pursuing my career and only doing that everyday keeps me on my toes and ready. I’ll never go back to another job other than what I love to do. Life is a risk but we choose to live it everyday and that’s the greatest achievement one can accomplish.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. Being a dancer in the street dance community I often try to push the level as much as possible. Am I the best no but will I give my all to the culture 100%. I am where I am today because I had a mentor Jackie Lopez believe that I was more than just another Afro Latino who works a 9-5. She saw the passion I had for dance and encouraged me to pursue my education and becoming an educator. After years of training, mentorship, performing, I finally graduated UCLA and now teach as a full time teacher all over world. Nothing is easy but I welcome the hard work I welcome the long nights because it will only make me stronger and go 10x harder. I’ve learned at any moment your career or life can be over like that. So I would tell the world to cherish all that you have. Never fear anything that you want to pursue or do in life. Go straight to it and fight for it and I promise the reward will be far greater than being what society wants you to be. Go against that grain and make history for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, My best Gbari aka GQ. First off we have never been to South Africa. But when we do we are most definitely heading to Cape Town and going to hit a few classes with some folks we know that do pantsula, after that definitely have some amazing food. An after all that we’d be hitting the clubs and by that time I’d be skilled enough to hopefully play at the club. All we know is that the club scene there is unlike any other. Rich, authentic, and vibrant. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success has came mostly from myself. If I didn’t put myself to work, train everyday, work 3 jobs and do what I love I wouldn’t be where I am today. But I never forget where I came from and the love and support of my friends, mentors and family. They definitely gave me the drive I needed to be successful in what I love to do. They are the reason I fight and never give up on my dreams. My moms, my former dance company, mentors, all thanks to them I still keep pushing.

Instagram: @almaraz_swift

Facebook: Alex Swift Almaraz

Youtube: Alex Almaraz

Image Credits
Steezy, Summer Dance forever, UCLA