Today we’d like to introduce you to Elio Martinez.
Hi Elio, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From the Mountains of PR to the Global Stage: The Evolution of Elio Martínez
From the humble farmlands of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, to the biggest stages in the world, Elio Martínez’s life is a testament to fierce dedication. This “farm kid” didn’t just dream of travel; at age six, he’d pore over the family Atlas, obsessed with learning about other cultures. Later, that thirst for knowledge drove him to literally walk ten miles with a backpack just to make it to dance practice.
Overcoming Obstacles to Find His Path
The road, however, wasn’t easy. Elio had to overcome the initial disapproval of his father, Víctor, who dismissed “the miserable life of an artist.” Ironically, necessity sharpened his focus: growing up in a humble family, Elio realized the only way to travel the world without significant investment was by becoming the greatest at his art form: dance.
Before dance claimed him entirely, his love for nature and animals led him to volunteer at a veterinary hospital. However, juggling those commitments with school and dance lessons proved too difficult, forcing him to put that goal on pause.
The Clandestine Director
In high school, Elio became the director of a school dance group of 52 students at Florencio García High. Showing boundless creativity, he had to figure out how to source funds for materials to create costumes and props, since money wasn’t available for seamstresses or set designers. He cast a creative team to workshop outfits while simultaneously training, dancing, and teaching kids at studios in Caguas.
The Big Break and Hard Choices
Three years later, with his team’s level elevated, he decided to study Theater and Dance Education at the University of Puerto Rico. Two years into university, Elio faced a devastating, yet necessary, choice: he couldn’t commit to a daily four-hour commute to his team while achieving his university goals. Handing the team over to another talented member was clear, even if heartbreaking. This pivotal decision taught him that difficult changes are often the beginning of great things.
Elio’s career took off. He began working on TV and touring the world with artists. He learned to focus on what he wanted, understanding that despite the path being difficult and uncertain, there is always a way to achieve a goal. He always carried the valuable life skills taught by his father, Víctor, an electromecánico. Before Víctor’s passing, Elio was able to make him proud of his many youthful achievements, which were just the beginning of his long flights around the world.
His mother, Ana Vázquez, always supported him, going above and beyond even when busy with work and hearing her husband’s rejection of Elio’s aspirations. Ana taught him to be a great cook, ensuring he learned to make healthy, delicious food at a young age due to their busy household. Today, she remains his best friend, bridging the distance between Puerto Rico and Los Angeles.
The Legacy of Evolution
Today, Elio is a seasoned professional performer who holds a degree in Theater and Dance Education and a personal trainer certification, with over 15 years in the wedding and artistic industry. His extraordinary versatility and passion for cultural exchange are channeled into his legacy: Evolution Fitness and Dance.
As a destination wedding producer, he’s helped hundreds of couples with their productions in exotic locations like Dubai, Italy, South Africa, Monaco, Spain, and Brazil, channeling that fierce dedication from the farm into soaring success on the global stage.
Professional Experiences
* American Horror Story S9 TV Show
* America’s Got Talent
* The Greatest Showman Live Commercial (FOX)
* MAC Cosmetics
* Dita Von Teese World Tours
* “On Your Feet” Promo Cast (Broadway)
* Havana Night’s Las Vegas
* Equinox Fitness Instructor
* Absolute Vodka Comercial
* Placido Domingo Concert
* Penny Dreadful: City of Los Angeles TV Show
* 9-1-1 TV Show
* Grand Hotel TV Show
* Henry Danger
* Disney Productions
* Six Flags Productions
* Universal Studio Productions
* PLN Awards 2015 – Marc Anthony
* MQB 2013 – Prince Royce & Laura Pausini
* Arthur Hanlon Concert
* Beauty Pageant coach Miss Universe & Miss World
* Miss Latin Int US Beauty Pageant Choreographer
* Nuestra Belleza Latina assistant choreographer – Univision
* Mira Quien Baila TV Show
Education:
* BA, Fine Arts Teacher Theatre and Dance emphasis, University of Puerto Rico
* NASM Personal Trainer
* International Wedding Dance Techniques: The traditional Waltz, The Hora, Mizinke, Dabke, Zaffa, Sangeet, Bhangra and other regional folk dances
* Event Planning local & destination
* Event Production
* Folklore Theatrical Dance & Evolution and Development of Dance
* Body Expression, Body Movement and Pantomime Techniques
* Modern Dance Techniques & Contemporary Dance for Actors
* Theater Make Up, Costume Design, Stage Lighting and Scene Design
* Theory and Method to Teach Dance Choreography
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of Elio Martinez to become the Director of Evolution Fitness and Dance was defined by a massive professional pivot, triggered by the sudden industry halt of the COVID-19 pandemic. His dynamic, pre-pandemic career—honed through touring with artists and coaching intricate fitness programs—provided him with an unmatched arsenal of practical expertise in performance, logistics, and physical transformation. When the live performance industry abruptly halted, Elio saw the crisis as a definitive moment to unify his diverse professional history with his formal education; he established Evolution Fitness and Dance as a stable, educational structure, designed to give back to the community by consolidating his holistic knowledge of dance artistry, fitness discipline, and organizational methodology into a single, lasting platform.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Evolution Fitness and Dance is known for making weddings unforgettable. Our clients often worry about their wedding feeling “low-energy,” “boring,” or “the same as every wedding couple does.” We fundamentally change that experience, especially for high-end and destination weddings.
We transform weddings from events into performances. It’s not just a dance; it’s a holistic performance workshop.
At Evolution Fitness and Dance, we view a wedding not just as an event, but as the greatest live performance of a couple’s life. Our high-end, personalized training is designed to answer that primary fear: a boring wedding. The reason weddings often fall flat is not the décor or the food, but the lack of energy and presence from the stars of the show—the couple.
We work hand-in-hand with top planners to shift the focus from choreography to Executive Presence and Guest Experience. Our director, Elio Martinez, leverages his decade of experience in world-class productions (from Broadway, Hollywood, Fitness, and Fashion Industry to international tours) to train couples to be captivating performers who genuinely entertain their guests. We ensure the entire day is a high-energy, unforgettable experience that fully showcases the couple’s unique personalities.
The Signature Service: The “Wedding Performance” Workshop
As we mentioned, we do much more than just the First Dance. We will break down the unique, comprehensive services that elevate the entire wedding day for a sophisticated client.
Details are our core service offerings that address moments beyond the dance floor, using the theme of “poise” and “presence.”
“Our service is a holistic ‘Wedding Performance’ Workshop that covers every single interaction from the processional to the send-off. This is what sets us apart for high-end clientele who expect flawlessness in every detail:
* Image & Presence Coaching: We provide coaching on modeling, posing, and on-camera skills. This ensures that every photo and video, whether planned or candid, captures the couple looking their absolute best—with flattering angles, excellent posture, and genuine connection.
* Performance Workshop for Impactful Moments: We train couples on voice projection and enunciation for their vows, delivery skills for impactful speeches, and even the nuances of a photogenic First Kiss . We guide their movements through the ceremony so they are always visible and engaging for their guests, not just the camera.
* Guest Engagement Choreography: We tackle the energy slump head-on. This includes dynamic, custom-choreographed Grand Entrances that set the tone, innovative Toasts/Speeches where we might integrate the wedding party into a brief, fun flash mob, and personalized Special Dances for the entire wedding party or family. We turn passive watching into active, cheering engagement.”
Elevating Every Moment: From Aisle to Exit
Let’s walk through your big day and how we apply this ‘performance’ approach to specific, often overlooked moments like the Ceremony or even the Dinner.
We break down the moment-by-moment details to emphasize the meticulous control and high-end polish you deserve.
The “Elevating Every Moment” approach by Evolution Fitness and Dance transforms your wedding day into a performance through meticulous planning. They ensure Flawless Visual Flow during the Ceremony (Processional, Vows, Recessional) by coaching on posture and graceful movement. The Reception is maximized for Maximum Energy & Fun with dynamic Grand Entrances, personalized First Dance choreography, and Parent Dance Guidance to choreograph meaningful and natural moments. They even offer to stage an Unexpected Couple Surprise Dance to truly captivate guests. Furthermore, they provide High-Quality Candids during Formal Photos & Mingling through detailed posing and interaction coaching, ensuring every part of the event is unforgettable from the aisle to the final send-off.
The Evolution Promise
This is the ultimate takeaway and why incredible couples choose Evolution Fitness and Dance for their destination or luxury wedding.
Our personalized service will bring a unique, and high-energy experience.
“The ultimate promise is that with Evolution, your wedding will be more than just beautiful—it will be unforgettable. We don’t just teach steps; we instill the confidence and presence to be captivating.
Our director, Elio Martinez, and our expert team are dedicated to crafting a highly personalized, unified performance that resonates deeply with you and keeps your guests cheering the entire time. If a couple is looking for a celebration that truly stands out, one that maximizes fun and emotion, and guarantees no one will be falling asleep, Evolution Fitness and Dance is the partner they need to turn their unique love story into a breathtaking, high-energy production.”
extending beyond weddings to include private training, events, and fitness.
Core Event & Choreography Services
* Provides personalized choreography and training for:
* Weddings (Dances, Grand Entrances, Full Performance Coaching).
* Sweet 16th & Quinceañera Choreographies.
* Birthdays (Special performances, flash mobs, and entertainers).
* Corporate Events (Entertainment, team-building dances, or special performances).
Personalized Lessons & Training
* Customized Dance Lessons (Individual or group instruction).
* Modeling Lessons for any age (Image, posing, and on-camera skills).
* Fitness Training (Personalized “Interactive” Fitness Program to sculpt bodies and create a healthy lifestyle).
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Booking & Working with the Company
The most direct way to work with Evolution Fitness and Dance is to book their personalized services for events or private instruction.
* Book Event Services: Clients can hire Evolution for full-service wedding choreography, Quinceañera/Sweet 16th choreographies, or performances for birthdays and corporate events.
* Enroll in Private Training: Individuals can work with the company by booking personalized dance lessons (including specialized wedding dance workshops), modeling lessons for any age, or Interactive Fitness Program for sculpting and health.
Support & Promotion
You can support the company by promoting their services and expertise within your professional networks.
* Referrals: The most valuable support comes from referring high-end clients, especially those planning luxury or destination weddings, who seek to turn their day into an unforgettable performance.
* Social Media and Reviews: Engage with and share their content, and leave positive testimonials after experiencing a service.
Collaboration & Partnership Opportunities
Evolution Fitness and Dance, and its founder Elio Martinez, seek collaboration to enhance their personalized services and expand their network within the event and wellness industries. Event Planners and Vendors, Specialized Dance Instructors, Fitness Trainers and Fashion and Image Professionals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evolutionfitnessanddance.com
- Instagram: @evolutionfitnessanddance
- Facebook: @evolutionfitnessanddance
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@evolutionfitnessanddance
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/wWbxLWj-RN
