Community Highlights: Meet Andrea Elmore of Andrea Elmore Dance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Elmore.

Hi Andrea , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Andrea Elmore. I’m a professional dancer from Colombia, trained in contemporary dance, Colombian folkloric styles, and aerial silks. Dance has always been my language — a way to express, connect, and survive.
In 2016, I moved to the United States with my American boyfriend, stepping into a completely new world. I didn’t speak English, didn’t understand the culture, and knew almost no one. When our relationship ended, I had a choice: return home or stay and build something new. I chose to stay.
I moved to New York City alone, with no friends or family, and took any work I could find — restaurants, cleaning, coffee shops, cash registers. It was one of the hardest periods of my life. But I survived. Slowly, I began to rebuild. I joined a small ballet company, became a soloist, and danced every chance I got. I learned a lot — but working as a ballet dancer in pointe shoes was extremely demanding, and I wasn’t happy with how harsh and exhausting dance companies can be on dancers.
During that time, I realized something important: my biggest obstacle as a dancer wasn’t a lack of passion or talent — it was the lack of proper training and mentorship. I learned the hard way how vital it is to have technical knowledge and guidance to grow and dance safely. I promised myself that one day, no matter how long it took, I would become a teacher and create the kind of dance company I had always needed — and the school I wished I could have learned from. A place full of beauty, support, and truth, where people can grow both as professionals and as human beings.
A few years later, in California, I took an acting workshop with Elia K. Schneider, a renowned Venezuelan director. That experience was a turning point. Elia helped me reconnect with my fire — the part of me that still believed in my dreams. It marked the beginning of a new chapter: discovering who I really was and what truly mattered to me.
By 2020, my English had improved, and I got my first teaching job at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. But then the pandemic hit. I lost my job just after buying my first car, and like many others, I struggled. Still, something beautiful came out of that time: I started building my own business.
I knew nothing about websites or entrepreneurship, but I taught myself — step by step. That’s how Andrea Elmore Dance was born.
I reconnected with my roots: Salsa, Bachata, and the rhythms of my childhood. For years, I had distanced myself from them, thinking they were “low class” or “vulgar.” But I discovered something deeper: joy, healing, connection, and community. Dance became a way to return to myself — to remember who I really am.
Today, Andrea Elmore Dance exists to share that magic. I believe dance is more than movement — it’s transformation. It builds confidence, creates bonds, and brings us back to life.
Along this path, I also began studying ballroom dance and developing a teaching method that tracks student progress. I saw firsthand how people with no dance experience could build not just skill, but confidence — and learn how to keep growing on their own.
What I’ve discovered in nearly 20 years of dancing is this: I can teach in 30 minutes what took me 20 years to learn. That’s the power of technique and a strong foundation. It saves you time, prevents injuries, and avoids frustration.
My business officially launched in 2022 as a mobile dance school — because I didn’t have the capital to open a studio. But I loved the flexibility. I teach throughout Orange County and Long Beach, moving between different locations to offer convenience to my students. I started with private lessons, then added group Salsa classes. This year, I introduced Bachata and Intermediate Salsa.
The process has been slow. I’ve made many mistakes, but I keep learning and improving. I collaborate with other local businesses by renting their spaces, and I help people find hope — showing that anyone can learn how to dance.
I also produce showcases and performance opportunities where my students can shine, compete, or simply achieve their personal dance goals. I love what I do — it brings deep meaning to my life. My students inspire me. It’s beautiful to see people support my business and believe in me. That belief is what drives me to keep going and dream bigger.
I know it might take years to build the full dance company of my dreams — but that’s okay. Because I know it will happen.
My mission is to make sure no one misses out on the experience of dance — the freedom, the joy, and the deep connection it brings.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was learning how to speak English. To be honest, it’s still a challenge for me — I’m learning every day, and even now, reading a book in English takes effort and focus. But I keep going, step by step.

Another major challenge was not knowing the culture. I didn’t know where to find things, or even what they were called. It was like being in a world where everything was unfamiliar — the names, the places, the way things worked. And I didn’t have people I could ask for help. I had to figure things out on my own, which was very hard… but in some ways, it also became an advantage.

Because I didn’t have a “normal” or “expected” way of doing things, I had to get creative. I had to invent new solutions and learn through trial and error. That helped me become more independent, more curious — and sometimes even made things more fun, because I was discovering everything for the first time.

Not having family or friends around was also very difficult. But strangely, that too became a gift. When you have people close to you all the time, it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone. Being alone pushed me to grow. I had to learn how to talk to strangers, how to ask for what I needed, and how to be resourceful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Andrea Elmore Dance?
Andrea Elmore Dance is more than just a dance school — it’s a space for growth, joy, and connection through movement. We offer private lessons, group classes, and personalized dance programs designed around your goals, your schedule, and your unique journey.
Private Lessons
We begin with private lessons because they allow us to truly understand each student’s goals — whether that’s learning to dance for fun, preparing for a performance, improving posture and balance, or building confidence.
Each program is tailored to your ability, your time availability, and how far you want to go. I make accommodations so you can train at your own pace, without pressure, and with full support.
Some of the private projects I’ve done with students include:
Creating dance videos to surprise friends or family

Training for ballroom competitions

Helping clients prepare surprise dances for their partner or special occasions

Improving physical abilities like coordination, posture, and balance

We work together to build something meaningful — and reachable.
We also offer wedding dance, and quinceanera Lesson for you especial events

Group Classes
Every Friday in Long Beach, Locative at 713 Termino Av. Long Beach. This a mobile studio Location. welcoming group classes:
6:30 PM – Bachata (Beginner)

7:30 PM – Salsa (Beginner)

8:30 PM – Salsa (Intermediate)

These classes are designed as a community space where private students can practice what they’ve learned, and where anyone — even total beginners — can feel safe, confident, and supported.
Why did I create these classes?
Because I noticed that many “beginner” classes in the area were actually more like intermediate levels. It took months — even years — for students to feel confident dancing. That’s not fair to someone who only has a limited time to learn.
In my classes, I focus on clear structure and strong technique, so even in your very first class, you feel like you’re actually dancing. I break things down in a way that’s easy to understand, and I create a space where no one feels lost or left out.

Showcases & Community Events
I also produce student showcases and collaborate with other schools and instructors. These events give students the chance to:
Perform on stage

Celebrate their progress

Build confidence

Connect with the dance community

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll have the chance to shine.

Special Events
Private group lessons for special occasions (quinceañeras, weddings, corporate events)

On-site classes and dance parties (we bring the fun to your location!)

Professional dance performances at events, often involving students and local artists

We serve locations in Los angeles and Orange county, Long beach
These events are a wonderful way to create memories, celebrate culture, and bring people together through music and dance.

Our Philosophy
At Andrea Elmore Dance, our mission is simple:
To make dance accessible, joyful, and meaningful — for everyone.
We believe:
Dance should be fun, not frustrating.

You deserve to see progress, not confusion.

And you should always feel welcome, no matter your background or experience level.

Visit andreaelmoredance.com for book any class, Lesson

What’s next?
The Vision for the Future of Andrea Elmore Dance
At Andrea Elmore Dance, we’re not just teaching dance — we’re building a future. As the school continues to grow, my vision is to create opportunities that extend beyond learning steps. I want to build a full ecosystem where students can grow, perform, teach, and thrive in the world of dance.
Teacher Training Program
One of my next big goals is to launch a Teacher Training Program, where I will train future instructors in the unique method I’ve developed over the years — a method based on structure, technique, and deep understanding of the learning process.
The program will guide teachers step-by-step through:
What to teach

When to teach it

How to adapt for different learning styles and goals

This way, every teacher who graduates from our program will be confident, prepared, and able to deliver high-quality instruction that transforms lives — just like mine was transformed.
Creating a Dance Company
In the future, I also plan to launch a dance company made up of advanced students and teachers trained at Andrea Elmore Dance. This will give passionate dancers the chance to:
Grow professionally

Compete and perform at events

Travel and represent our style internationally

Earn a living doing what they love

This company will not only showcase talent but also serve as a platform to mentor and empower the next generation of dancers.
Cultural Exchange & International Travel
As a proud Colombian, I dream of leading dance trips to Colombia and other countries where students can:
Perform in cultural events

Train with local professionals

Take workshops

Connect with different communities through dance

These trips will be open to both dancers and teachers, creating meaningful cross-cultural experiences that deepen our understanding of dance and identity.
Opening More Locations
As we grow, I plan to expand Andrea Elmore Dance into new communities that need access to high-quality, affordable dance education. Whether through pop-up studios, partnerships, or mobile programs, we’ll bring dance wherever it’s needed most.
Scholarships & Foundation
In the long term, I dream of launching a nonprofit foundation connected to the school. Through this foundation, we will:
Provide scholarships to students with talent but limited financial resources

Offer free or low-cost training for those committed to learning

Help students become teachers and performers

Make high-quality performances accessible to the community

We believe everyone deserves the chance to discover the magic of dance, no matter their background or income.
In Summary
The future of Andrea Elmore Dance is full of possibility:
Train teachers

Create a dance company

Travel and perform internationally

Open more community spaces

Provide scholarships and build a foundation

But at the heart of it all is one mission:
To make dance a tool for transformation — in body, mind, spirit, and community.

Pricing:

• Private lesson $95 and Wedding dance $150
• membership for private lesson $340 to $912
• Group classes $20
• membership for group classes from $56 to $144
• Classes for Event $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreaelmoredance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea.elmore.dance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.elmore.dance/

Image Credits
1 picture : Danny Huang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easternewok/
2 picture: Dan Hopkinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhopkinsonphoto/