Meet Rodrigo (aka Rorris) Marquez | Latin Dance Instructor & Caregiver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodrigo (aka Rorris) Marquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodrigo (aka Rorris), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business to pursue my passion for dance and create meaningful connections with others. Over the years, I’ve been told that I’m a patient teacher, that people are drawn to the way I dance, and that I have a natural ability to support and guide others. That inspired me to ask myself: Why not make a living doing what I love while helping others grow and develop a new skill? I realized it was time to stop building someone else’s dream and start investing in my own. I wanted the freedom to be my own boss and shape a business that reflected my values, creativity, and vision.

So, I gave my job a one-month notice and immediately began reaching out to other dance instructors to learn how they built their businesses. I also invested in life coaching—and later, therapy—which turned out to be some of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I realized that seeking guidance from people already doing what I aspired to do was the smartest path forward. Why reinvent the wheel when I could learn from those who’ve already paved the way? I even consulted with digital media creators and videographers to understand how to promote my brand through social media. I was stepping into a completely new world with no prior experience—my background was over 10 years in banking and 5 years in the restaurant industry before that. Through every promotion, career shift, and industry change, the one constant in my life had always been dance.

This also gave me the freedom to become my mom’s caregiver as she unfortunately has a deteriorating disease. I am grateful to have the time to take care of her during the day while pursuing my dancing career at night. I am a firm believer of events happening for a reason and leaving my job to take care of my mom hasn’t never given me a bad feeling. It was scary but my intuition hasn’t guided me wrong thus far. Life is too short, and I want to live it on my terms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a dance instructor in the Los Angeles area, I’m most known for my patience, my use of inclusive language, and my deep focus on the fundamentals of salsa and bachata. I believe that great dancing starts with strong foundations—so in every class, I emphasize how students shape their bodies, how much pressure to apply to the floor, and—just as importantly—how to give themselves grace while learning a new skill.

What makes me proudest is not just watching students pick up the steps, but seeing them gain the tools and confidence they need to grow into stronger dancers over time. I know firsthand that the path to becoming an instructor isn’t easy—it took a lot of trial and error, and I’m still learning. I continue to take classes myself, always looking for new teaching techniques I can bring back to my students.

More than anything, I want everyone who steps into my class to walk away with more knowledge than when they came in—and to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. In a space where traditional dance classes often label roles by gender, I intentionally use the terms “lead” and “follow” to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. My goal is simple: to inspire new dancers to fall in love with Latin dance and stay in this vibrant, joyful community—because it’s not just a hobby. It’s fun, it’s freeing, and it’s for everyone.

I currently teach at 3rd Street Dance on Thursday (near West Hollywood) and at Atomic Ballroom (in Irvine). I offer priviate lessons, group classes, but my favorite clients are wedding couples looking to impress their wedding guests with their first dance. I help couples learn a simple yet engaging routine in any style they may choose.

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?
My itinerary for my best friend and I for a fun week in LA would be as follows:

Monday would be a beach day (with packed sandwiches, fruit, and water) at Ginger Rodgers Beach near Santa Monica. We would then rinse off the beach vibes and head happy hour at 71 Above for an amazing view of the sunset and all of LA.

Tuesday we would head to the LACMA for some beautiful art, a nice lunch at BCD Tofu House in Koreatown, and then head over to the Griffth Observatory for some star gazing and a nighttime view of LA.

Wednesday we would need to reset and have a spa day. I enjoy going to Burke Williams every now and then to get a deep tissue massage and facial. The cool part is that you can enjoy the steam room, hot pool, and sauna before and after any service. We would end the day with a nice dinner at Cha Cha Cha in the arts district.

Thursday would be our final day of fun together I would start off by taking her to an early breakfast at Eggslut, walk downtown LA for a bit to shop at 7th & Fig. Have lunch with the best tacos for lunch at Tacos Los Cholos in Huntington Park followed by some salsa dancing in Santa Monica at the Victorian to dance off all the good food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out to my two dance coaches that have shaped the dancer I am today: Aubrey Ares & Eder Avila

Aubrey Ares is an amazing dancer, teacher, and inspiration based in Los Angeles. She dances almost everything but she influenced by bachata dancing. Aubrey has taught me what tough love means and also taught me the business side to dance that is essential for owning your own busines in the dance industry. She currently owns Empowered Movement Dance Company where dancers are trained to perform full out – something I continue to work on.

Eder Avila is one the smoothest, knowledgeable, and energetic salsa instructors in Los Angeles. I started my salsa journey during the pandemic and once we were allowed back in the studio, I observe all the knowledge he offered. His style and “swag” has been my biggest influence as a salsa dancer and I continue to learn from him. He owns On2ourage Dance Company where I currently am a student.

I could not leave out my best friend Diego Salinas for being my rock and just listening to me vent, cry, and blab about life. I would not have had the courage to be here if it was not for him.

Website: https://tap.bio/@rorrisbaila

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorrisbaila

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorrisbaila

Image Credits
Jacob Hernandez, Mikey Klaus-Pedroza, Obi