Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Flores.
Jasmine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am born and raised here in Los Angeles, California. My whole life has been LA which I truly adore it, it’s so beautiful what we have here and the people are amazing and the dancing vibes are great.
Dancing as a kid was very fun we would play and to entertain my family. My cousins would come over and we will reenact the Grease movie or Selena. Those shows were fun and the laughs were even better. My mom put me this after school program that consisted of me dancing and practicing some cute little partner dancing, it was the best. Me with this cute long skirt a rose on my head this ruffle shirt, I was in love. I remember our first performance was I believe a Cinco de Mayo celebration, after school we had an event and danced. Me and my partner were in it to win, lol.
I’ve always loved dance it was something I just came natural. It was just burst out of me. My mama would always be dancing around the house and for the family. She’s a very very talented woman. My dance training as a child and as a teenager wasn’t extremely great but very thankful for what I have and what I did. Mama put me in some activities and some dance groups I did as much as she could afford truly grateful for it. I did cheer for a little drill team orchises dance groups. I would dance and cheer the basketball teams and football. We danced at assemblies and we would even hold our own events.
Dance for me in high school was so much fun, I had an amazing dance coach, amazing leaders it really was a great time. Alhambra Moors !!!
Dance completely changed for me the moment I went college. I still didn’t believe that I was actually going continue dancing till I walked into a dance class for the very first time at Pasadena City College and I saw something completely different and saw a future in this.
The level of training and passion my dance teachers had made me want to be that. I trained in contemporary and jazz. It was some of the best times of my life. My dance teachers would hire me to perform for their own personal events. We would put on shows every couple of months. I continued doing all my general classes I needed to take, I swapped around in what I wanted to do or major in but Secretly already knew what I wanted to do,
I knew then that dance was it for me.
My mid-20s were crazy for me. Had too much fun. Partied hard and partied hard. I have to say I slipped off the wagon. Had a boyfriend and wanted to drink. Dance sadly wasn’t in the picture. Took me a few years to get my shit together and to snap out of it. Some sad, some horrible things happened along the way but made me who I am now. I believe that journeys and experiences make you or can break you. You choose your story and along the way, you learn something about yourself you had no idea. I am beyond grateful to be living and breathing and living the life I live now.
My life today is all day every day dance. I am a dance teacher, I am a professional dancer and always a student. The growth never stops. When I say I had to snap out of it, I meant it. I had to change so many things to be where I am now. Change relationships and dreams and change myself in a kind way of course.
I’ve met so many people along my Journey so many friends and dancers who have honestly been mentors and friends and have helped me in my goal to be who I am now and continue.
I’ve had the opportunity to dance for some big artists, some amazing music videos, travel perform for award shows and to continue to teach. My story isn’t over. I only fee it getting better. And for that, I am blessed for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To be completely honest, it has been challenging.
There’s been a lot of ups and downs. I’ve had to deal with a lot of my own personal problems, with family and relationships and my addiction to the fun and partying. I am not ashamed of what I’ve done because I’m human we are here to live. I’ve made a lot of poor decisions that has set me back. But those decisions challenge me now and push me to strive. I am better and stronger. Dance has saved me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My job is so amazing to me. I am a dance teacher and a fitness instructor. I work for a dance school here in LA (SOHO Dance LA) run by Raul Santiago. Here I am able to create and explore and practice with students and clients in several styles. Mostly Latin Ballroom, partner dancing and styling.
So I teach everything from the fundamentals of a certain dance style, I teach and make new routines for students to perform.
I also teach dance with my own private clients. Kids, teens and adults. I teach anything from hip hop to reggaeton to bachata and salsa and other days we work out.
The transition of some of my clients is out of this world. Practicing and dance everyday is great.
I teach a little bit of everything mostly Latin dances. Reggeaton, salsa, bachata, merengue, cha cha, hip hop, jazz, contemporary and etc.
What makes me different is the Type of swag and energy I bring to the table. I’m for sexy and classy. Calm but with a bang at the end. I love to learn choreography, it’s something I have to say I’m good at. I pick up quickly.
I am proud of a lot of things I’ve had the opportunity to do. I will never forgot the Latin Music Awards. I had the chance to perform with JAlvarez as he won an award! That was so special to and life-changing. On television and everything.
And my new favorite hobby is modeling. A few years now, it’s been something I enjoy doing. The whole thing from getting ready to what shoes with what pants. I love how you can experience so many feelings in one shot. New Hobby but hopefully something I can make big
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To be honest with yourself at all times. Don’t ever feel bad for saying no or being at times selfish. This career choice is not the easiest and at times people can take advantage of your kindness and it will bring you down. Always be humble and thankful. Life is precious we need to enjoy it and live it to our fullest always.
And never stop dreaming and setting goals. Dreams do come true and our goals are closer than we expect.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Jayzeejazz
- Facebook: Jasmine Flores
- Youtube: Jasmine Flores
Image Credits:
Andrew Robles Aiyesha Sol photography
