Life & Work with Lizbeth Soria of Norwalk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizbeth Soria

Hi Lizbeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Dancing was something I started at the age of 3. At a studio in Cypress ca, I started dancing tap and ballet. It was an ongoing endeavor.
By the age of 7, I began dancing Mexican folklore with Ballet Folklorico Las Estrellas de Long Beach Directed by Mrs. Irene Portillo.
I practice once a week on Saturday’s.
At first, I was not fond of this type of dancing, but as time went by, I began to enjoy it. I found myself drawn to both the beautiful dresses I could wear that were based on the Mexican region and the chance to dance to a genre that represented my Mexican culture.
After dancing there for about a year, my mom came across a new Folklorico studio called Thee Academy in Bell Gardens, which I attended for a total of 6/7 years. I was an apprentice for Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles as part of their professional team when I was 12 years old, under the direction of Kareli Montoya. I was able to perform at numerous well-known venues, including YouTube Theater for Banda Addictiva.

During those years, my parents also enrolled me in other dance genres, including Afro-Cuban with instructor Laroyeana , hip hop, and salsa fusión with Stephanie Stevenson, but my focus was on Mexican folklore.

The positive experience led me to enroll in Orange County School of Arts for 7th grade, which has a Folklorico Conservatory directed by Mrs. Marlene Peña, who is also the director of Ballet Folklorico Relampago Del Cielo, located in Santa Ana Ca.
Along with my usual school courses, I have the chance to learn more Mexican folklore and along with other genres such as Ballet, Flamenco, modern, and lyrical.
I am currently in high school in 9th grade and continuing my education at Orange County School of Arts. In addition to school,
I also take part in Ballet Folklorico Revolucion at City Terrace Dr., Los Angeles Ca, under the direction of Teresita de Jesus Montoya.
On Saturdays, I’m at Corona Dance Studio in La Habra, CA, with Director Rosemary Corona maestros Nelly and Rodolfo.
Maestra Laroyeana is my instructor for Afro-Cuban classes every Saturday at Piyodaflow studio in Los Angeles. I have salsa, salsa fusion, and hip-hop classes at various studios on my weekly schedule. My schedule is pretty full.

Also, for the past 3 years,
I have been taking Floreo de Reata (Rope trick) classes, started with Maestro Esteban Escobedo in my first year, and am currently taking classes with maestros Francisco Andrade and Rodrigo Francisco Corea.
Modeling and taking profesional Catrina photoshoots has been another thing I’ve been doing for almost 3 years now.

The first time I worked on a professional catrina shoot, I worked with Gus Mejia Arte. His photos are just amazing. Paulina Herrera did the catrina makeup. At 12 years old, Paulina offered me the chance to model her clothing brand, Paulina Clothing Line, at my first runway event in Los Angeles.
Styles By Jean and Cindys_airbrushglam are among the talented makeup artists I have collaborated with.

The process of photoshoots and modeling it was something I thoroughly enjoyed. To improve my runway and modeling skills, my parents have given me the opportunity to take modeling classes with Javier Ortega, a pageantry and modeling coach at Moda 2000, who assist me in improving my photoshoot poses and increasing my confidence when performing in front of the camera and on stage.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles I have had to face as a dancer and model. Unfortunately, competition between dancers and between groups is very common. Is the same way in the modeling industry.
My parents have always taught me that I am my own competition, that I don’t need to be worried about anyone, and to ignore all the negativity around me. In order for every member of a group to shine, everyone needs to contribute. A group is not meant to be a solo act.
I developed the habit of not paying attention to negative remarks. It took me a while, but in this industry, there are always individuals who don’t have anything to do and talk about someone.
A comment came to my attention recently, in fact. A lady made a statement stating that I was not talented in dancing.
According to her, I lack my own dance style. I am awestruck by the ability of an adult to talk about a 14-year-old. Whenever you come across people like this, the only thing you can do is ignore them.
Modeling is also a competitive industry, but you can also add body image insecurities to it.
I have heard models discuss not eating for weeks to maintain their slim appearance.
I’m thinking to myself that my Mexican ethnicity prevents me from being slim, as we have curves!
Although I’m laughing, it can be very uncomfortable to hear these types of conversations.
I’m glad my parents are present to support me and prevent me from thinking about all of these comments and conversations. I am grateful to have my mom by my side at all times. She is consistently reminding me to ignore and prioritize my goals.
The reason I decided to take a modeling class was to boost my self-assurance and enhance my stage presence. That’s all I need to focus on! Javier Ortega, my coach, is incredible and consistently inspires everyone.

Thankfully, you will come across supportive friends and teachers on your journey.
Shout out to Maestros Pablo Sanchez, Maestro Vega, Cecilio De Castro, Maestro Tadeo, Bryan Maldonado, Esmeralda who is a dancer Of Amalia Hernandez Folklorico group in Mexico, Laroyeana, Rodolfo, Nelly, Ms Maddie and Matisse. Thank you for your hard work, advised and dedication.
I also want to express my gratitude to photographer Gus Mejia Arte and makeup artist Styles by Jean for their support and the opportunities they have provided me to work on different projects.
I’m grateful to Silvia, the owner of Triques y Telebrejoos, for designing beautiful dresses for my Catrina shoots and Beatriz for my folklorico dresses, and I want to extend a big hug to both of them.
To my supportive family and friends love you all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I feel a sense of pride in representing my culture and being able to dance and display my love for it.
My dance performance is filled with energy and passion that I love.
Mexican folklore dancing is my specialty, and I can perform it at events like quinceñeras, weddings, and any special occasions/events in Los Angeles and OC areas. In case there are more dancers needed for the event, I can ask other dancers to join me.
My specialty lies in other dance genres, not solely Mexican folklore.
If I come across a dance genre, I won’t be able to perform. I have contacts who I can always rely on.

Modeling/photoshooting services are available to businesses as part of my services to advertise their products.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Advice for someone who just started to dance:

Don’t give up on yourself. Never stop striving and always give your full attention to everything.

Instead of trying to compare yourself to others, focus on admiring and supporting them.

Recognize that nobody is perfect and that attempting to be perfect is not the solution.

Acknowledge the abilities that you have and examine your personal talents as a dancer, such as your hard work, dedication, or attention to detail.
Remember that Practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.

Don’t forget to have fun and stay positive.

Pricing:

• The price is determined by the customer’s needs. However, if additional dancers are required and they require a longer performance, the cost is different.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonitachinita2010/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonitachinita2010?_t=8qIWGcAiqzO&_r=1

Image Credits
Gus Mejia Arte
Julie Rodriguez
Paulina Clothing
Cindy Flores