We had the good fortune of connecting with Corina Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Corina, how do you think about risk?
When I reflect about risk, it takes courage to seize an opportunity about something you are uncertain of whether the outcome is either negative or positive. I like to think at least someone is brave enough to take that risk for more growth in his or her life. Taking a chance has taken a huge impact on my life, especially creating coris_schoolofdance, from saying I am not sure this is a good idea to this is the best decision of my life. For example, due to the circumstances we are having it has put me to the test in doing online classes, willing to step out of my comfort zone, no matter what the result will be. This is a learning progress for me because in person I am a very social person, but on camera I am the complete opposite shy and nervous. Even though I am shy in camera, these online classes have helped me improve on becoming a better dance teacher, and learning how to capture my audience without seeing them. Being able to explain a certain step without physically seeing whether that person is doing right or wrong has become my challenge. Currently, the outcome of these online lessons has been a positive one, many people have enjoyed the lesson and also have learned from it. Which would not be the same result if I never took that risk in the first place. In my life every moment the good, bad, and the absolute worst has led me to the person I am today. In studying on how to become a better business entrepreneur and teacher for my students in these tough times, but I am willing to keep learning every step of the way.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of the progress my students had made in dancing, all the dedication and time they put into practicing the footwork, spins, or combination sets I assigned. I always look forward seeing people thrilled when he or she gets a certain move down, and they start recording their own progress little by little. I am still learning to become a better dance teacher for my students, for example to give more clear directions when I am teaching a certain move. As well as managing my own time from working in my regular job to the studio and still having time to practice the moves I am going to teach. Practice makes perfect, even dancers have to be consistently practicing no matter how good of a dancer someone is. What excites me the most how far I have practice in public speaking how comfortable I have gotten in that, as well in being able to challenge myself in other styles of dancing, most of all in how proud of the people I have gotten to know through my business. I have come a long way from the first year I have started Coris_schoolofdance and accomplish several goals, and I am half way through my second year of officially teaching I can’t wait to see what else I can do. I want the world to see just that dancing is good for you at any age, to just have fun with it. That is my golden rule in my studio, keep going, I want to motivate others in challenging themselves in dancing, and want everyone who walks in the studio know that they are capable to dance and exceed their own expectations.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
People who know me very well know that I am the simplest person ever, I love going dancing, hiking, and love going to my local taco trucks and bars. I would take my friend from out of town to a record hop, which is the style of dancing which I teach is jive inspired by the 1940s lindy hop era, to later becoming its own style of dancing. One of the famous record hop venues is Fuss n’ Hollar, which is located in Bell Gardens, and after we go dancing I would take her to go eat tacos after the record hop ends at 2am. The next day I would take her to local beer bars in North Hollywood and LA, one of my favorite bars is the brick yard it is a all beer bar with a photo booth, I love taking pictures in a photo booth trust me they are a blast, after I would take her to the grand central market located in Los Angeles. Another cool bar located in Los Angeles, would be La Cita bar located next to the grand central market, one of my favorite places to go dance Cumbia and have a beer there. After that I would take her to local hiking spots that I love, griffin park, eaton canyon park, and wildwood canyon park.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This journey would not have been possible with out all my friends who have helped me out along the way, in helping me with a class, especially my friend Michael who has helped me out in coming every Friday to the studio and practicing new dance moves with me and teaching me new ways to teach. Furthermore, a huge thank you to all the dancers who have helped me out throughout the year, Cesar, Carlos, Josh, Jose, and Itzel, Roxy, Iesha, and Cat from time2swing. I also would like to thank Sandravaldezart and Darla Deville for drawing out my design for my dance school. Lily Gomez from Lil Louloupics for recommending me to your magazine, without her I wouldn’t be having this interview. Time2swing for coming down to my dance school to give swing lessons in the studio. Who are amazing dancers and hard working dancers, who I am happy to call my friends. In addition all the dance schools in Mexico City, you have inspired me to dance more and learn from you. As well Misswolffsjivingschool for the inspiration and teaching me my first steps of jive and opening the door of opportunities after the Viva Las Vegas jive competition.
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