Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Guerrero & Angie Egea (Directors) Oro Dance Company
Hi Audrey Guerrero & Angie Egea (Directors), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Oro Dance Company began taking shape in 2021 when Audrey and Angie moved from Boston to Austin, searching for a new space to create and expand their work. It started as a small student dance team but quickly grew into an Afro-Latin dance school and production company.
Starting fresh in a city where we knew no one took a lot of courage and determination. Our vision was to share Afro-Latin dance in a way that uplifts the culture while challenging outdated ideas—especially the notion that dance should be defined by gender. We wanted our classes and productions to be inclusive, diverse, and vibrant, reflecting the true essence of the Afro-Latin dance experience.
We wouldn’t be here without the incredible community that has formed around us. From our students to colleges, business partners, and, most importantly, each other, we are deeply grateful for the support that has allowed us to grow and thrive in Austin.
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?
Like any artist or entrepreneur will tell you, the journey has been anything but smooth. Being a queer, POC married couple in a red state already comes with its challenges, but building something that had never existed in Austin before added another layer of difficulty.
One of the biggest struggles was finding studio spaces that were both affordable and available. On top of that, getting visibility in the local dance scene and making connections with promoters was an uphill battle. Austin’s Afro-Latin dance community has traditionally leaned toward a more Eurocentric perspective, whereas our mission is to elevate the African roots within Latin dance. At times, this has led to resistance, but it has also sparked important conversations and inspired many.
Despite the challenges, we are incredibly proud of the work we’re doing. Bringing greater representation to Afro-Latin arts in Austin is not just necessary—it’s transformative.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Oro Dance Company is an Afro-Latin futuristic dance company dedicated to celebrating and evolving Afro-Latin dance while honoring its African roots. Our mission is to uplift inclusivity, authenticity, and innovation through the passion and magic of Afro-Latin dance and music.
What sets us apart is our commitment to reclaiming and amplifying the African heritage in Latin dance, which is often overlooked or erased in mainstream narratives. We take this responsibility seriously—not only by showcasing these roots in our performances but by training directly in the countries of origin to honor and master Afro-folkloric techniques. We believe these styles deserve the same recognition as Eurocentric dance forms within Latinx heritage.
We also push boundaries in how Afro-Latin dance is presented. Our performances challenge traditional ideas by embracing non-gendered partner work, lead-and-follow role-switching, and costuming that allows dancers to express their own identity. We fuse diverse dance forms—such as salsa, Afro-Cuban, Cuban contemporary, bachata, flamenco, guaguancó, palo congo, makuta, and reggaetón—seamlessly blending them into a single artistic expression while maintaining the integrity of each style.
What we are most proud of is creating a space where Afro-Latin dance is both honored and reimagined—where artists from underrepresented communities, including Afro-Latinx, Black, queer, femme, and non-binary performers, can take center stage and tell their own stories.
Ultimately, our vision is a world where everyone has the power to create, where we recognize and celebrate each other’s complexities, and where cultural expression is a force for both honoring legacy and shaping the future.
What matters most to you?
At Oro Dance Company, what matters most is honoring our African legacy in Latin dance, fostering inclusivity, and pushing artistic innovation because at the core of everything we do is a deep belief in joy, power, and freedom through movement. We strive for a world where dance is not just an art form but a way to celebrate identity, affirm diversity, and inspire future generations to see themselves fully reflected in the art they love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orodancecompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orodancecompany?igsh=MXI0Y2Q2ajV6d3hmYw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Rm6fTpAKw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@orodancecompany?si=GYL52BFUgu0jZwSc
Image Credits
Gabriela Manzano
Zebadiah Badgett
Michael “Blue” Smith
