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

Hi Andrew, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to my work to live on beyond my years. With the career I’ve chosen, a lot of what we do is teaching what we know, plus passing down knowledge to the youth and community. I have had many students and have taught so many different people from all walks of life. My legacy lives in everyone that I have helped and to whoever they help. I believe every time I share my knowledge, it feels me with great joy, specially when I see the fruit of my labors. I want people to remember me as a person who is kind, empathic, patient. I always want the best for everyone. One of the many reasons why I became a teacher is because of my joy of helping someone. Patience has always been one of my strongest attributes, specially in my line of work, teaching kids can be challenging sometimes, but the reward of seeing them develop a passion and love for what I do is all worth it. I try my best to come from a place of understanding and empathy when it comes to interacting with anyone. I enjoy talking and connecting with people, although I have a tendency to stay quiet in group conversations. Only because I want to make sure I take in everyone’s input before giving my own. Hopefully, I’ll be remembered as someone who is genuine, in my work, in my art, and those who I have had the honor of sharing this life experience with.

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.
I currently work for WeBreak Hip Hop Dance Company as an Area Coordinator/Instructor. I am proud to say that I am a instructor to many students enrolled in our program and I have the opportunity to share my love and passion for Breakin’. Just the thought of introducing this art form to more and more people is the most exciting thing in the world. More so that I am the one that gets to do that, it is exhilarating! When I first started on this path, it definitely was not easy. I’ve had to develop myself and understand what I was teaching first before I pass it on. I also needed to learn the different ways of teaching, such as visual, auditory and kinesthetic. All this and more, I had to incorporate it into my teaching methods and everyone learns differently. There is always something to learn and improve upon and I try to tackle them with an open mind and a positive attitude. Experience made me into a better teacher, there is nothing like it. I would like the world to know this about me, I truly care about giving back to the community. I’ve organized events for dancers to come and test their skills or even just to celebrate the dance styles we get to enjoy. Hosted community open sessions for everyone to practice and develop their art in a safe space. I help where I can and love to see everyone becoming successful in their endeavors. I am always up for a discussion, show support or just being a positive presence. Kindness will always be needed and I will always offer it to anyone that needs it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Without any doubt, I would take my best friend to Little Tokyo, LA. There are so many things to do there, great shops, all the Japanese food you can eat and there are really cool sites to see. I will admit, this mostly comes from my love of Japanese culture and architecture. Also, growing up watching anime, there are many stores themed or that sell anime merchandise there. Aside from those reasons, there are also some cool bars in the are, for example: Bar Eighty Two, Angel City Brewery and 2-Bit Circus. Probably one of the first things I’d do is take my friend to Jungle Anime shops. There, they have so many different manga to read and purchase, plus they have collector item, hobby entertainment merch and even cosplay costumes/clothing. Next thing would be to hit up one of my favorite restaurants, TOT Little Tokyo. The food there is really good! Then maybe after, head to one of those bars in the area, most likely Bar Eighty Two. Its my favorite barcade in LA, bar none (pun intended). They have great music, great drinks, old-school arcade games and pinball machines! Everything you need for a good time! I recommend all these places for anyone that visits LA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many sources of inspiration that I have to credit and recognize for getting me where I am today. First, my cousins (Aris Paracuelles & Kevin Paracuelles). When I was a kid, I saw them and their friends practicing breakin’. They inadvertently introduced me to the dance and culture, when I first started learning, I went to them for advice and guidance. Seeing how much they loved dancing and what they were able to accomplish with it is what kept me going. My friends that have danced with me, the first of many being Juan Mendez. He convinced me to learn breakdance with him at a time when I didn’t think I’d be good at it, much love to him for that. Moises Garcia, ever since the day I met him, he was always honest and encouraging to me and everyone around us. I couldn’t be more grateful to have him as a friend. David Guan, we are in a crew together called Black Lotus. When we train together, we always get inspired and push each other to become better in our skill set and we always take the time to talk and have a great time where ever we are. Albert and Michelle Hernandez, I met them through my cousin Aris. They were the first people to allow me the opportunity of becoming a dance teacher at their dance studio. I learned a lot from watching how they teach classes, they way the articulate technique and movement. I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today if it wasn’t for those two. Last but not least, Brian Wright, founder of the company I work for “WeBreak Hip Hop Dance Company”. Thanks to him, I am able to pursue my passion of dance and making it my career. I joined his company after a tragic time in my life, I got through that time by working and developing myself under his guidance and wisdom. I am forever grateful to him for hiring me and believing in my skills.

Website: webreakdance.com

Instagram: @bboyandyboy

Other: Twitch.tv/bboyandyboy

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