Meet Gilbert Guzman | Artist

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

Hi Gilbert, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a young child growing up in Fresno California, I always had a dream of being my own boss. Beyond being my own boss, I had a dream of being a professional dancer. When I launched Gilbert’s Dance Studio in April of 2022 now known as Gilbert Guzman Choreographies, it all happened so fast. At first, I saw it as a new source of income or side revenue besides having a full time job. Only later to discover that launching my own business would ignite my love for the performing arts once again. What started out as a hobby would later turn into a full business model, that would bring me into a familiar industry and would open the doors to new opportunities. I give thanks to my best friend Luisa Avila as her sister would be turning fifteen years old and in the Hispanic culture the traditional dances are choreographed from a Waltz with your Chambelanes and Damas to giving a surprise dance for the family and friends. I was honored to be asked to choreograph for such a special core memory. At first I was hesitant as my love for dance had diminished during the global pandemic and it had been years since I had choreographed for events. My background as a professional dancer and working for Studio De La O as a Chambelan gave me an opportunity to bring what I had learned to the events world. On the first day of rehearsal many moms asked about how much I would charge to choreograph for their daughters quince and in that moment I knew that I could bring what I had learned from my Bachelors in Fine Arts and dance background to helping create once in a lifetime memories. . As I began to teach, I realized the impact that dance makes on others, as I didn’t just teach them moves, but many were inspired to continue dancing after the event. My goal was not only for the teenagers I worked with to have fun, but to learn something from dance. Many times they thought they were learning from me, but all along I was able to learn from them. The students taught me why I began to dance in the first place and it was because dance has the power to make you laugh, cry, jump and gives you the freedom to express yourself in many different ways. My thought process behind launching Gilbert Guzman Choreographies was to find that 4 year old boy who had a dream of being a professional dancer and to inspire others with dance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In order to understand where our journey came to be, we must know where it all began. This story began when a boy who grew up in Fresno California, named Gilberto Guzman Garcia had a dream and at four years old started dancing by watching Bailando Por Un Sueno and self taught the different styles of dance. He would go on to join Studio De La O as a professional dancer and then reach for the stars by studying at AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Hollywood California. After gaining his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in 2020, Gilbert decided to step away from performing arts in order to find the passion and love of the arts once again. Then two years later knowing that dance was a true passion of his, Gilbert’s Dance Studio came to be. Two years later after a rebrand and reset we are now known as Gilbert Guzman Choreographies, This journey began in April 2022 in Fresno California as a choreography business for events like Quinceneras, Wedding dances and would later include hosting duties. In one year the business had expanded all over the Central Valley by word of mouth and would expand to Los Angeles California on its one year anniversary. Two years later we offer services that have expanded to Zumba classes, private dance classes, hosting events and continue our growth in the roots of Quincenera choreographies. What makes us different from our competitors is that with us you don’t just get to learn some moves, but you learn the history and roots of where these dance styles came from. The dance choreographies are all original work from scratch and you get to choose the music that you want to dance. The dances are all created for you in order to showcase a high level performance and we bring a Hollywood essence to your event. Thus we combine tradition with new innovations by mixing our Hispanic roots with entertainment. Business wise it has not been an easy trip as there are other talented competitors and launching at a time where events were barely coming back due to the global pandemic, we had to stay vigilant and careful on all safety measures. We had to make sure everyone’s health was still top priority and by implementing wearing face masks and keeping myself, staff and clients safe were top priority. Also some challenges were that I had and have a full time job, so wearing multiple hats was not easy. This showed me that when you are passionate about what you do that instead of it feeling like a job, you are excited about the challenges that might be presented. There are a number of incredible events that I have had the pleasure of hosting and choreographing for, but my first event in Los Angeles California really showed me why I had launched my business. The quinceaneras grandmother had passed away and she wanted to do an homage vals in dedication for her. When I presented the theme of the dance which would include red roses which were her grandma’s favorite and a picture of her grandma watching her dance would make for an incredible homage. As we rehearsed the Vals, fully for the first time it made her emotional. She came up to me and asked if she could give me a hug and said thank you so much. In this very moment, a fire I hadn’t felt in a long time ignited inside of me and reminded me why I love dance and why I launched my business. It’s not about being perfect or being the best dancer, but it’s about the storytelling. My company is more than just dance choreographies, but it’s about bringing out those raw emotions and using storytelling to create a core memory for those who participate and those who are watching.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles really does have such amazing places, culture, restaurants and individual spots that make it the city of stars. When my friends or family visit it is definitely necessary to visit all the hotspots of tourism like Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, downtown Los Angeles. An incredible spot is The Santee Alley in downtown LA where you can find some of the best Mexican street food, clothing vendors at a discount rate, but especially the famous LA hot dog. Did you really visit LA if you don’t have a hot dog which is something my sister Yeraldin Guzman always says when she visits. Also HillTop Park going towards Long Beach has such incredible views of the entire city which is definitely a perfect picture moment especially during sunset.Some places to eat is one of my favorites is Acapulco in Glendale during their brunch on sundays which the restaurant turns into a Mexican buffet with mimosas and have some incredible Margaritas. If you wanna dance the night away West Hollywood is definitely the spot to be as there are multiple bars and nightclubs with different styles of music and great drinks. The beach is a must and must I say Malibu is one of my top places especially Zuma Beach which just has a great mix of calmness and cleaness. Also if you wanna step into a show or film, then going to a taping of the late night shows or a sitcom is the place to be. Overall Los Angeles definitely has a little of everything for everyone which is why I wanted to live here growing up and makes me dream in the city of stars.

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?
Gilbert Guzman Choreographies wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many incredible individuals. First off I want to thank Jenevy Guzman who is one of the choreographers who helped me run the Fresno division of quinces while I ran the Los Angeles division. Jenevy began as my assistant for events and would later grow to become an incredible choreographer. Another individual is Yoselin Guzman who helped run my social media campaigns and helped with editing videos that would be a part of promotional content. My best friend Luisa Avila and her family, who chose me to choreograph for her sister’s quince and without that first event there wouldn’t be a company today. My family who has always supported me in my endeavors, my mother, father, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews who always inspire me to reach for the stars. My clients and future clients who believed in me and my ability to create an incredible moment for their events. Without my family, friends, clients who have believed in me and what Gilbert Guzman Choregraphies stands for which is all about rebelling against the status quo, we wouldn’t be here today. Thank you to many teachers as well who over the years have inspired me to continue loving performing arts like Paty De La O from Studio De La O in Fresno who believed in me and hired me in my first gig as a professional dancer. Mrs. Hinojosa and Mrs.Ankrum are both theater teachers who in high school inspired me to continue my higher education in Fine Arts. The story of Gilbert Guzman Choreographies is still developing, but with all the incredible individuals who have inspired me to believe and never give up makes me know that dreams are possible when you work hard and believe in yourself.

Instagram: @gilbertguzmanchoreographies

Facebook: Gilberts Dance Studio

Youtube: Gilberts Dance Studio

Other: TikTok: @gilbertguzmanchoreo

CEO Socials
Instagram: @gilbertguzmangarcia
TiKToK: @gilbertguzmangarcia

Image Credits
alexfilmsinc-Alex Gil (Personal Photo)

Yos Guzman
Jenevy Guzman