Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Rios. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Lee Rios has studied, taught and performed many forms of Afro and Latin style dancing for over 23 years. He is the founder and owner of Semeneya Dance Company in San Antonio, Texas which started in 1999. Rios is an artistic director, dancer and choreographer. He has been a featured performer/instructor for many national and international events across the globe, including performances in the Bahamas, Venice, Canada, Russia, Curaçao, Italy, Spain, France, India, United Kingdom, Africa, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Germany, Japan and Korea.
Starting in 2012, he started to bring a wide range of concerts and congresses to the San Antonio area by hosting B.I.G. Salsa Festival annually which hosts major music artists and international dance instructors. He is well known for his natural expertise in lighting up, engaging and impressing any audience around the world. His company has been featured on America’s Got Talent, Yo Tengo Talento, Sabado Gigante, numerous local San Antonio TV shows and acted in a feature film, Se Menea. Lee Rios has mastered the process of transitioning hundreds of clients into established social dancers, performers and instructors. His brand of instruction is to educate, entertain and engage to truly leave clients touched, moved and inspired.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Starting out young, I made some of the same mistakes young entrepreneurs make when starting a business, like finances, not having the right people run the front office, trusting too many people, etc. But every experience has taught me a lesson. When Covid came into the picture, it threw my business for a whirlwind. Now all of a sudden my studio was closed because we couldn’t have more than a specific number in classes. Everyone had to wear masks. People were not really booking events or concerts or major dance congresses. Everything changed. I had to learn how to adapt to this changing world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dance instructor who enjoys transforming lives in the world by the Touch, Movement, and Inspiration of Dance. Semeneya was created in 1999 when I began giving salsa lessons in my small apartment. Within weeks, I was flooded with requests and had to expand to a humble studio space. I am considered the pioneer of the salsa and Latin dance movement in San Antonio and South Texas. I have had the luxury of traveling the world doing something that I love and enjoy. My true joy has come from seeing the many people who have found joy, happiness, and a new life through the world of dance. Too often, people are bombarded with the stresses of work or life and dance offers them an outlet that allows them a new opportunity to meet new people and embark on a new journey.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being authentic as a person and loving humanity has provided me with the opportunity to meet others. I take an interest in the well-being of others which is expressed in my demeanor. I make an effort to always grow and move forward in my endeavors. I take pride in learning knowledge and gaining wisdom every day especially by listening to those who have something to say.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thebigsalsafest.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mysemeneya/
Image Credits
Latin Nation Media, Media Rebel, Rachel Na
