Meet Lourdes Arteaga | Dance Studio Owner and Director

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

Hi Lourdes, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned as a ballet dancer and ballet studio director is the significance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Building and running a ballet studio requires hard work, adaptability, and perseverance. Perseverance is crucial in the world of ballet, where you often face difficult physical demands, rejections, and long hours of practice. This lesson extends beyond the studio, reminding us that setbacks are opportunities for growth and success requires dedication and resilience. Embracing perseverance allows us to transform challenges into opportunities and reach our full potential

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others in the world of ballet is not only my experiences as a prima ballerina in Argentina and Chile and international awards and experiences, but also my deep understanding of the business and the unique perspective I bring to the studio as someone who has lived and breathed the dance world for years. My firsthand experiences allow me to connect with dancers on a personal level, empathize with their aspirations and challenges, and provide them with the guidance and support they need to thrive.

Getting to where I am today professionally was by no means easy. It required immense perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams. I faced numerous challenges along the way, from intense physical demands and fierce competition to financial constraints and the pressures of the industry. However, it was my unwavering determination and belief in myself that allowed me to overcome these obstacles. To always go to class, every day, even if I didn’t feel good and wanted to stay home, I still did what I had to do, and after everyone left to go home, I would continue to stay at the studio and practice, and it was my passion to do the best that led to where I am today and that same spirit is what I try to instill in our students.

I am incredibly proud of the Miami Royal Ballet and what we have accomplished thus far. Our studio has become a haven for aspiring dancers, nurturing their talent, and fostering their artistic growth. What excites me the most is witnessing the transformation of our students as they progress in their training and develop into confident and expressive dancers. Their success is a testament to the dedication and commitment we pour into each and every one of our students. What I want the world to know about me and Miami Royal Ballet, is that we are driven by passion, persistence, and a genuine love for the art of ballet. Through determination and hard work, we have built a studio that not only provides exceptional training but also fosters a sense of community and support for all dancers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would make sure they have an incredible time exploring Miami. We would start by soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Miami Beach, in the very first streets of where there’s no seagrass around. We would visit places such as Little Havana and Wynwood to learn about Miami’s colorful neighborhoods and rich culture. We would walk through the streets of Wynwood and visit art galleries and unique murals. We’d eat Latin meals from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying the bustling scene. We would immerse ourselves in Cuban culture in Little Havana. We’d go to Calle Ocho, the neighborhood’s core, where lively Latin music fills the air and the scent of Cuban coffee wafts from the cafés. We’d eat traditional Cuban food, dance Salsa, and even try our hand at cigar making.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout and express my deepest gratitude to my family, particularly my daughter Maia and my son Ivan, who have played a crucial role in the success of our ballet studio. They deserve immense credit and recognition for their unwavering support and dedication.

Maia has been instrumental in running the day-to-day activities of the studio. Not only is she an incredibly talented dancer and teacher, but she also possesses exceptional organizational skills and a passion for ballet that inspires both students and instructors… and me too! Her commitment to excellence and her ability to connect with dancers of all ages have greatly contributed to the positive and nurturing environment we strive to create in our studio. Ivan has been a vital asset in managing the operational aspects of the business. His expertise in finance and business have helped streamline our processes and ensure the smooth functioning of the studio.

Both Maia and Ivan have shared my vision and passion for ballet, and their unwavering support has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Together, as a family, we have faced challenges head-on, celebrated milestones, and worked tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for our students, and it is a dream come true to see what we do change so many lives for the better and provide such a unique, important experience for our truly amazing community.       

Website: www.miamiroyalballet.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/miamiroyaldance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamiroyaldance/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/miami-royal-ballet-miami

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miamiroyaldance

Image Credits
Portraits Nicolas Garcias Event Images David Gregorio