Today we’d like to introduce you to Anain Robles.
Hi Anain, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a young girl, my grandfather took our family on a trip to Veracruz, Mexico where I fell in love with traditional Mexican dance better known as Folklorico. As I saw the girls in those beautiful white jarocha dresses, I knew I wanted to do that someday. From there, I studied dance in our local DIF (kind of a Mexican version of a YMCA), where our dance instructor would take us to showcase and compete around Mexico City, during one of those competitions, I was selected to attend a prestige dance academy “Escuela del Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez” but destiny had other plans for me. My mom brought me back to the States, and for a long time, I was unable to continue my love for dance.
It wasn’t until I had my daughter in 2009 were I knew I wanted to pass on my love for dance to her as well as our beautiful traditions. I was granted permission to volunteer my talent and love for dance at her school with much success for six years. In 2017 a group of students I had at the school came together and asked if I would teach them outside of school. It had to be destiny, but that same summer we found a small building in Littlerock (that used to be the town’s library), and with the help and support of my students, we opened our Studio. Now they are the ones helping me teach and share our traditions and dances.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been and smooth road, as well as good things tend to be. We all struggled during our COVID year, but for me, it was a bit harder. That year after suffering from extreme headaches and repeated visits to my Dr. I found out that I had a tumor in the right side of my brain that was affecting my motor skills as well. I was afraid that I would not be able to do what I loved, but thankfully, my doctors were able to remove it completely and help me with therapy. With the help and love of my students, we were able to continue classes at our studio, and they would help me teach when I was physically unable to.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I work as a Parent Community Liaison for the Palmdale School District, this has been one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. My duties involve networking with the community and helping parents find services. My position allows me to share my love for dance and my culture as well as help my community. As years have gone by I’m happy to say when people in the Antelope Valley think of Folklorico they think of our studio; we have been able to bring this beautiful form of dance to our valley not only to residents of Palmdale but to all the towns around us. By exposing them to and introducing them to Master Maestros from all parts of Mexico. Our clients know that they are getting authentic dances.
What makes you happy?
There are so many things that make me happy, but one of my favorites is teaching my toddler class and seeing the babies dancing with all their hearts. As well as seeing the students who made the studio possible all grown up and continuing the tradition of teaching dance, but also enjoying what they are doing!
Contact Info:
- Website: Studio8135.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/8135studio?
Image Credits
Wilfredo Tacanga, Anain Robles
