We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Being who I am today, I owe it to my mother “Lilia Perdomo Gonzalez”, in the first place for having registered me as a child in activities according to my talents, music, gymnastics and dance. From there I have carved out a path of self-management and perseverance in making decisions to be able to do it as a way of life.

I have been lucky to have very good teachers in all areas, who have seen my abilities, letting myself be guided and corrected by them. Talent is not enough to achieve goals, it takes vision and hard work to get it. Leaving the classroom as a student and jumping to be a teacher, then to the theater and managing own projects, has been a great challenge. Which has taught me to be confident believing in my abilities. All this process has led me to leave academies, family, friends, cities and countries in search of growth. Opening myself to the world and teaching me to take risks.

We always have to continue preparing according to your level, I especially remember my recent trip to New Mexico, Albuquerque, to the flamenco festival, where I witnessed eleven shows by the best Spanish artists, experiencing flamenco today, as well as taking two courses as students with Eva Yerbabuena and José Maya, where their teachings reached my body, mind and heart. Meeting interesting friends from all over the world was an incredible experience for me, By this I mean that investing time and money in yourself is of the utmost importance.

Make my passion a business, where I have full knowledge and I can expand it to other people. “Flamenco”.

At first as a foreigner it was not possible for me, but I gradually created opportunities in my city and others in United States of America, publicizing my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m 46 years old, and since I was 16, I have been studyng and applying techniques to improve as a dancer (Bailaora), teacher. Choreographer and judge of dance competitions. I have had my dance companies. At the moment, I’m more dedicated as a soloist and raising this activity in West Palm Beach, Fl. and other cities. It has not been easy but, perseverance and loving what you do is what keeps you on the road. I’m distinguished by discipline, strength, a different dance style and pedagogy. What I have liked the most about my career has been traveling, getting to know other cultures and such incredible people.

I am currently celebrating having achieved a goal that I set for myself when I got here. From a full-time job to a part-time job, which allows me to distribute my days between my personal and flamenco tasks, which involves creating choreographies and music, organizing schedules and creating budgets, keeping my students and clients informed. Contact and respond to requests from academies and organizations. Dedicate myself to my social networks, hand in hand with the graphic designer. Do workshops on finance and legal processes and self-improvement.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend to WPB downtown to see the beatiful buildings and the bay, also sail in one of the boats. Then go to eat at Portofino restaurant in Jupiter, go the beach, I love Juno Beach,
Share there interesting topics from a particular book, catch up on what we have been doing in our lives, sunbathe, swim and have a delicious drink in front of the sea.

Take my friend to enjoy two cultural centers in the area, Norton museum and Kravis theater to see some of the fabulous plays and musicals that are presented there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank all my flamenco teachers and friends. My English teachers, family and my boyfriend for all their support.

Some of them : Patricia García & Pedro “El Colita”, Azilde Henriquez, Antonio Canales, Rosario Montoya “La Farruca”. My English teachers Leslie Macbride Salmon & Lisa Cox. My Cousins Ángel Gonzalez & Isabel Rivera.

There are too many, the list is long, but I remember and value each of the efforts of those who are not named here.

 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lacanelareyes

Instagram: @lacanelareyes

Twitter: @lacanelareyes

Facebook: Gabriela Reyes

Youtube: Gabriela Reyes @gaby8379

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.