Meet Alfredo Castro | Entrepreneur & Dance Choreographer

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

Hi Alfredo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a passion for dance. Growing up, I’d love to watch Dance Moms in hopes to someday be competing on a stage showcasing my talents. When I turned 14, I got the amazing opportunity to start training for a dance studio in my hometown; however, money was an issue. Only working person in my family was my dad at this time and he couldn’t cover my dance expenses plus take care of our family. This is when I decided to start teaching quinceaneras to make some money in order to be able to pay for my dance training and work towards my dream of being a competitive dancer. All my friends in highschool at this time (freshman year) were turning 15 and were in need of a choreographer so this is where I stepped in. After doing a few quinceaneras, I realized I was actually pretty good at choreographing and money wasn’t such an issue as before. I decided to start my own choreography instagram to showcase my work and offer my services to those in need of it. My parents never really thought of this as a BIG thing, it was more like “he’s just making money to pay his dance fees.” I was really iffy at times about this as I had to give up most of my freetime to be able to work and make money to pay for my dance fees.

Because I was 14 and unable to drive, instead of me travelling to my clients homes to teach their quinceaneras, my clients would come to my own porch for my service. I called this my first studio with a small speaker, a backdrop, and an ample space.
Overtime, social media became a big part of my business and took it to the next level. Finally in 2021, after I graduated highschool, I decided to open my own dance studio in Anaheim California at the age of 18 and continue offering my services.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Personally, what sets me apart from others has to be my personality and determination. I love being able to create forever lasting memories with my kids and be the person I wish I had growing up. Those that know me would describe me as a loud, energetic & motivated individual. It is so crazy to me how I’ve grown into this business owner, choreographer and rising social media influencer in such a short time period, literally my childhood dream and I’m living it. 12 year old me would be so proud for overcoming all the bullying and pursuing what I really am passionate for. I am so excited to continue growing and expanding my knowledge and share my passion with everyone that I come across.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. Definitely a learning experience. I take every day as a new opportunity to learn more and better myself in every aspect. I believe I learn better by taking risks. If you don’t take risks, how will you ever get better and stronger? Coming from a hispanic culture, where the male is expected to work hard labor was one of the hardest obstacles. When I brought up the idea of me wanting to train in dance, it wasn’t approved by my family quickly. However, I told them I didn’t care and would follow my dreams. 6 years later, here I am. I want the world to know that dreams do come true. There is no age requirement to own a business, or be successful. Follow your dreams! Never did I ever think I’d own a dance studio at 20 nor have my own reality show OR be able to travel for work and share with the world my passion. Meeting my supporters is the cherry on top. Seeing how excited they get when we meet melts my heart and motivates me to continue going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love exploring & travelling! I would definitely start my day with eating breakfast at my favorite place, Bruxies in Brea & then go walk downtown Brea, take some cute pictures & then go Shopping for a bit! I love shopping and getting new clothes. I would definitely stop by Starbucks and get a Straberry Acai with Water and refresh a bit. Maybe stop by Target and walk around or get some Crumbl Cookie. I am a nightlife person! At night, dinner by the pier/beach is a must, bike riding or scooter riding in Downtown LA or Downtown Long Beach is also a vibe for me. Finish it with watching a movie at the movie theatre or home. I love escape rooms, bowling, mini golf, go kart or exploring scary/abandoned places. My best friend and I always say that last minute plans are always the best. We love spending time together anytime we get something off work.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout would definitely be to those who never gave up on me. My supporters, clients, family, friends, show producers, my team for simply reminding me with so much love & support why i do what i do.

Especially my clients back when I was 14-16 years old. Thank you for putting your trust in a young teenager’s hands. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show everyone my passions and love for dance & choreographing. Definitely, my middle school teachers, Melissa Castadena & Angie Urrea for always being there during the bullying & pushing me to be the best version of myself and never stop being the real me. My family, Julio, Maria & Katherine Castro for listening to all my crazy ideas and dealing with me when times get rough and never lost hope in me. Finally, my best friend Brianna Ayala for being by my side through it ALL. From the moment I told her I wanted to start working to make money in 2017 to the moment I am opening my own dance studio. I am so blessed. So blessed at 20 years old. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me.

Instagram: Main Account: https://www.instagram.com/alfreedocastroo/ Business Account: https://www.instagram.com/ac15choreography/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe09jkq2eW9dHM1BnWguP3g

Other: Tik Tok- https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdMXAvYV/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ac.boyz?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Reality Show- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8gmAvzffjA&list=PL-2oUuz9H3QiqdAJAApANwS_EWWyznhpT Email- AC15Choreography@gmail.com