Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Gonzalez.
Hi Carmen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our story began as part of a non-profit youth organization based in the city of South Gate as far back as the late 1990s. We cultivated a strong volunteer-based program run on consistency, dedication, and hard work. The idea that any young athlete could be part of our program regardless of experience made us eager to step up to the challenge year after year. After 15-plus years of being part the nonprofit sector and after COVID hit all of us in 2020 we branched out into our own studio/gym. We named our studio CNG STUDIO. We wanted to name it something neutral, in order to provide a base a home if you will.
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?
It has been an amazing road to where we are now. Starting as being part of a nonprofit challenged us from the very beginning. Our communities do value youth sports but did not consider cheerleading an actual sport, and sometimes we would feel the pushback. We practiced anywhere we were allowed to, including on asphalt (blacktop), grass and if lucky mostly during the rainy seasons in gymnasiums. Once we acquired our own home, we never looked back. A place where our athletes could feel at ease to be the very best was crucial in our growth. Financial struggles will always be a factor due to our community’s demographics and socioeconomic makeup. We continue with that same mindset to be committed by making it work, balancing financials while still being able to provide top-tier training to all of our athletes. It is much more than just cheer for us. We have previous athletes who are now adults and have brought us their own children to continue the tradition of cheerleading and athleticism. These are the long standing bonds that are built throughout the years.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mayans Cheer and Dance. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mayans Cheer and Dance is a youth organization specializing in Competitive Cheerleading and Pom Dance. Our athletes come from all the surrounding South East Los Angeles cities to train daily. We provide all instruction at our facility, and no experience is necessary. We pride ourselves in believing that everyone can learn how to cheer and become the best version of themselves. Our facility has brand-new equipment and a full nine-panel competition mat that sets us apart. We include a full package of training, stunting, tumbling, dance, and skill building. Our teams are comprised of Level 1 and Level 2 athletes.
We are known for our pride in our roots via our name which to some could be a tad bit ethnic. We feel it represents our community and sets us apart. All of our athletes are young girls and women of color from all distinct backgrounds. We are happy to include and welcome everyone that wants to cheer and dance!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, we all need a champion in our corner to help guide us and provide support while we are navigating our way. I have been blessed with having two great mentors throughout this journey, and they both have come about within my cheerleading network. Tony Jandel has always helped guide our growth and Bertha Antaramian who pushed me to believe in myself and take the leap. They were both open and generous to always hear me during my building years. Stay with people who are honest as far as where you are and who can help you grasp what is needed to get to the next level.
I believe what has worked for me was never gatekeeping and always sharing what has worked for me with others. I feel that what has worked for me can also help elevate others and challenge me and my program to keep looking for new ways to succeed. We all learn from each other and take what we can to adapt it to what we need. I will forever be grateful for all of those programs that allowed us to take part in their coaching and learning experience via camps, clinics, and choreography. More importantly allowed us to be part of their journey. We are always ready to write a new chapter, come be part of it!
Pricing:
- Registration $325
- Monthly Tuition $125
- Private tumbling sessions $30
- Open Gym Fridays $10 per athlete
- Intro to Cheer – Cheerology $125 registration $80 tuition 6 week course
Contact Info:
- Website: cng-studio.net
- Instagram: @
mayanscheeranddance - Facebook: Mayans Cheer
- Youtube: @
mayanscheeranddance3265
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