Today we’d like to introduce you to Fanny Gonzalez.
Hi Fanny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I moved from Venezuela, I relocated to Austin in 1996. I was a ballet dancer since I was seven years old, when Jane Fonda began her aerobics program in 1977, I was inspired to open my first studio in Venezuela, by the time I moved to Austin, I already had three operating dance studios in Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Gayana), my hometown! It was the beginning of my adventure as a pioneer and health coach.
My family relocated to Austin because my son began his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, converting the family into a Longhorn family. As soon as I moved to Austin, I got myself certified as Aerobics Instructor with AFAA (Athletics & Fitness Association of America) and ESA (Exercise Fitness Association), followed by all the Zumba certifications available and I worked in Premier Ladies for eight years as an instructor for salsa aerobics, aqua aerobics, step cross-training with Latino music and as a personal trainer and at the YMCA for five years. Other gyms where I gave classes where 24-Hour Fitness, el Buen Samaritano and World Gym.
While ballet continues to be a very special part of my heart, I focused on dance and fitness classes for adults because I enjoy my students and I know my classes help them to develop more cardio-resistance, more muscle toning and overall health and HAPPINESS. Most of my choreographies include a fusion of ballet, cardio and Zumba. “My style continues to have a very strong ballet influence, as it is an embedded part of my life.
I opened Corazon Latino because I know we make a difference in our community. I like to hear music all day and to interact with new people from different backgrounds all the time. With music and fitness, we can really help people to achieve better health, lose weight, tone, relax and experience a sense of joy and fun for our daily lives!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning of the journey, it was far from easy. Coming from Venezuela, I had to learn the new culture and a new way of life. But I adapted very quickly because I was raised to not give up. I knew I wanted to help people not just physically but as well as mentally and Corazon Latino was the way to do it.
It opened many doors for other like-minded individuals. That was enough to show me that what I was doing is what I was born to do. My passion for health and wellness was my source to pull from and not give up. And here I am, changing and uplifting so many lives one step at a time, along with my team. Quitting isn’t in my vocabulary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Corazon Latino Dance Studio wants to create a fun and healthy environment for everyone of all ages and backgrounds. We believe that you should feel comfortable and confident. Here at the studio, we specialize in fitness and dance classes with great instructors who truly are passionate about health and wellness. We offer a variety classes but we are well known for our Latin-based style with classes such as Zumba, Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia. As well as other fitness and dance classes such as Hit, Full Body workout, Cardio Step, and Booty work. There is no other studio similar to Corazon Latino; we are unique. We are diverse.
To add a Cherry on top, Corazon Latino has added Latin Heat Social Nights every Friday and Saturday the studio gets packed with people from all backgrounds who want to socialize and dance with others as they dance the night away with our many local Latin Dj’s from Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.
We really thrive to build the Latin Community up and give our dancers and artists a safe space and platform where they can express their art and share their skills with our students!! Corazon Latino stands for Latino Heart and if you think about it, Latinos are a blend of many races as well as having big hearts and joyful spirits!! Let’s share that to the world!!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The community is what truly matters and inspires the fire in our studio. We have the best instructors who truly are passionate and we love what we do. When you have a strong healthy community, that will open many doors to a new prosperous future for the well-being of our society.
Corazon Latino is a place filled with warmth and love. We truly care about our community. There is no better feeling than witnessing the growth and evolution of one person at a time. We are a part of the movement for health and fitness.
Pricing:
- 1 Class for 18
- 6 Classes for 78
- 10 Classes for $95
- One Month $130
- Ritmo Latino 10 for $120
Contact Info:
- Email: info@corazonz.com
- Website: http://www.corazonz.com/about-us.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corazonlatinoz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorazonLatinoZ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/corazon-latino-dance-studio-austin
Image Credits
Magenta Studio 255 for the last picture of the four women 🙂
