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

Hi Jayven, what matters most to you?
Community, with out community I believe it is very difficult to cultivate and develop an idea into reality. With out the support of those who truly believe in ones mission the journey would feel empty and almost helpless. As one continues to build and grow their ideas, the community must feel just as important and invested as the visionary themselves. I remind my team members and supporters how important they are in the overall picture and to our success. We are a team, and every player matters. Though, it does take a great leader to develop and nurture community when their livelihood and business is at stake. We can not forget that one fuels the other. If we focus solemnly on our business and livelihood, your following will see you as selfish and self-centered. While if we nurture our community with the understanding that their well-being and livelihood is at the businesses up-most importance. WHICH IT IS. They will be more enticed to support the mission, as they themselves will be part of the overall vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would have to say this question in particular has much weight, and that it is really hard to find the words to start my answer. So I am going to base my response by the one word that truly comes to mind when I thinking about the years of dedication I have committed to my craft and career.

“A need.”

I am the founder and director of a LGBTQ+ Salsa and Bachata Troupe in Los Angeles CA. I have been dancing since 2010, and I am proud to say that our Academy is one of the very few troupes through out THE WORLD that offers inclusive social dancing etiquette while disrupting the Bi-nary norms that come with traditional partner dancing.

Most of this was inspired by my craving to involve queer community into social dancing spaces. Feeling un-safe and judged because of my preference to follow, or dancing with someone of the same gender was hurtful. Especially when it would happen in spaces that brought joy and therapy to my life.

I craved a queer salsa & bachata scene in Los Angeles. So I decided to build one. One with opportunities for people to dance freely and with who ever they wanted. One where people can decide for themselves the roles they would like to participate in with out looks of judgment, or vocabulary that would make them feel unsafe and un-seen.

Though this brought so much joy to my heart, but this didn’t complete my mission. Alliance Dance Academy is an dance institution that brings communities of all people together. A space where we can learn to feel safe with one another and learn from each others differences with out judgment. This is a space where we can ALL dance together and accept each others differences.

Dancers Queer or not have always wanted to challenge themselves by taking on the “opposite” role in partner dancing. As a matter of fact that are a few partner dances that require the lead to learn how to follow and vise versa. When taking on the role of the “same” sex you are then participating and promoting Queer-ness. Gender fluidity. & inclusivity. An idea I want to spread through out our social dance community, and even further into any partner danced community.

Now I have integrated and instruct students of all backgrounds, allowing the group to intertwine and learn from one another through a dance that once was organized and divided for a specific group of people fitting a specific role.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s Los Angeles! What isn’t there to do!

1. Ramen and Sushi – Locations: Jinya Ramen Downtown LA // Melrose Ramen
2. Special Views – I am familiar with some beautiful views seeing downtown LA that are only known by the Los Angeles Locals. So Shh.
3. Pine Street Long Beach, because why not. Its a very calm scene where we can eat and drink and take a walk to the beach.
4. Universal Studios. I love films by Universal Studios Hollywood!
5. Hidden isolated beaches.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have the recognize all of the directors, instructors, and dancers I have had privilege of learning from and working with. Not only have these individuals shaped my dancing and perception of what “success” should and could be. In addition many have mentored and guided me through my vision and still do today!

To acknowledge a specific experience, I had one professor during my time at The University of California Santa Barbara that truly opened my mind on how ones perception can dictate reality. Through this class I found myself with a form of confidence and artistic creativity that would forever be imbedded in my everyday being. The saying “not everything is as it seems,” carries on through my experiences and decision making.

Website: https://alliancedanceacademy.net

Instagram: @himerosito_

Other: Dance Academy Instagram: @alliancedance_academy
Tiktok: @alliancedance_academy

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