Today we’d like to introduce you to Harim Moreno.
Hi Harim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s truly a pleasure to share the story of V.O.P Dance Studio! My journey into the world of choreography and teaching began quite unexpectedly, almost by accident. Twenty years ago, long before V.O.P. was established, I was a rather shy 14-year-old with no formal dance experience, though I did possess a vivid imagination that translated well into visual concepts.
Like many teenagers, I found myself volunteering – or perhaps more accurately, being volunteered by my mother – to participate in a family friend’s Quinceañera. That event was my first introduction to choreographed dance, and to my surprise, I found that learning and retaining choreography came naturally to me. Standing tall and picking up steps quickly, I soon became the go-to “perfect chambelan,” participating in numerous Quinceañeras that year.
Fast forward two years, and I found myself in a situation that would unknowingly set the course for my future. Frustrated with the teaching style and choreography of the instructor for a particular Quinceañera, my teenage self, perhaps a bit too boldly, voiced my displeasure. This led to the instructor’s departure and my subsequent grounding. However, my mother, with a wisdom I appreciate even more now, held me responsible, tasking me with ensuring the dances still happened. With the unwavering confidence of youth, I declared, “I will, and it’s going to be better than whatever that lady was doing!”
And so, I did. I created the choreography, guided the quinceañera and her court, and in the process, discovered a profound joy in helping others. I gained a deep appreciation for the significance of a Quinceañera for each family and felt empowered by the ability to craft these special moments. That experience not only boosted my confidence but also instilled a strong sense of responsibility.
Following that first event, which I undertook pro bono, word began to spread. People started seeking me out to teach their Quinceañeras. For the next two years, I continued to teach without charge, simply because I genuinely enjoyed it. It was a fun pastime. Then came a request where payment was offered. Initially, the $100 felt like a significant sum – why would I be paid for something I loved doing? That first paycheck, however, marked a turning point. It led to the creation of my first business cards and the official start of charging for my services.
Since then, V.O.P Dance Studio has flourished. We’ve had three studio locations, guided the dances for over 1000 events, and expanded our creative endeavors to include choreography for local artists. Our work has even taken us on the road, teaching events in different locations and touring with comedians, alongside performing at various local events here in San Antonio.
One of our proudest achievements was establishing the first professional team of chambelanes in San Antonio, a move that paved the way for the numerous talented teams that exist today.
For the past fifteen years, V.O.P Dance Studio has been dedicated to not just teaching dance, but to crafting cherished memories for Quinceañeras and their families. We remain incredibly proud of our journey and continue to find immense joy in being a part of these special celebrations.
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?
Navigating the early days of V.O.P. Dance Studio certainly presented its unique set of challenges, adding to the colorful tapestry of our story. One of the initial hurdles was the language barrier. As a Spanish speaker, I quickly realized that while verbal communication might have its limitations, dance itself possesses a universal language. The steps, the rhythm, the emotions conveyed through movement transcended spoken words.
However, for those moments where translation was needed, I had a secret weapon – my sharp-witted little sister, who, at the tender age of 10 or 11, served as my impromptu interpreter. Her youthful perspective often added a humorous and direct element to our communication!
Beyond language, we also faced logistical puzzles. In the beginning, a simple speaker to play our music felt like a luxury, and the idea of having a laptop to showcase our choreography was a distant dream. Even reliable transportation to rehearsals was sometimes a challenge. Yet, it’s with immense gratitude that I recall the unwavering support of my family. Their belief in what we were building, their willingness to lend a hand (and sometimes their car!), truly made all the difference in overcoming these early obstacles. These experiences not only taught us resourcefulness but also reinforced the power of family and perseverance in turning a passion into a thriving reality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in Quinceanera choreography, and we are known for being the first dance studio that opened in San Antonio specialized in quince choreography as well as having the first team of professional chambelanes in the city.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
You know, it’s interesting because while I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as an inherently adventurous person in everyday life, when it comes to taking calculated leaps of faith, I’ve always been one to embrace the potential. Of course, not every risk has yielded the desired outcome, but each experience, regardless of the result, has invariably provided invaluable lessons.
Thinking back to the very inception of my journey, that confident, perhaps slightly audacious, declaration to my mother – “Yes, I can do it, and I can do it better” – that in itself was a significant risk for a shy teenager with no prior teaching experience.
Then came the decision to establish V.O.P. Dance Studio. At the time, the concept we envisioned was truly unique in our community. There wasn’t a blueprint to follow, so we embarked on a journey of discovery, figuring out what resonated, what didn’t, and developing our own processes along the way.
And let’s not forget the sheer audacity of a 16-year-old venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, especially within my family where business ownership, let alone a dance-focused one, was uncharted territory. That leap into the unknown was undoubtedly a challenge and a considerable risk. However, it was a risk fueled by passion and a belief in the unique vision we had for celebrating these milestone moments. It’s been a thrilling ride, filled with both triumphs and learning curves, and one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Vop_dance
- Facebook: V.O.P Dance Studio
