Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Garza
Hi Catalina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey in dance at the age of eight, a vibrant and energetic child in constant motion. My mother, concerned about my boundless energy, sought an activity that could channel my enthusiasm. Though I spent my afternoons roller skating around our quiet neighborhood and even started selling Avon products door-to-door to collect figurines, my real love was dancing. When a flyer from Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey appeared at my Montessori school, announcing auditions, my mother saw an opportunity.
The audition process was rigorous. It tested my physical abilities, musicality, and interpretive skills, and even included an assessment for my mother to ensure the choice was aligned with my interests. Against the odds—out of more than 180 applicants—I was one of nine students accepted. My parents hesitated at first, overwhelmed by the demanding schedule, but they ultimately decided to give me a chance. My father even predicted, “She’ll probably last three months.” Instead, I graduated eight years later, trained in ballet, contemporary dance, Mexican folklore, music, painting, and even French.
By the time I turned 17, I was fortunate to join Monterrey’s newly established professional ballet company, under the leadership of Ann Marie DeAngelo, an American artistic director. My five years there were transformative, as we worked with renowned teachers and choreographers and welcomed international dancers who expanded my view of the global dance community. It was here that I met Ernesto Quenedit, a principal dancer from Cuba, who would later become my husband.
Our journey took us to the National Ballet of Mexico, where we thrived as artists and enjoyed unparalleled stage time, including the unforgettable experience of performing Swan Lake on an open-air lake in Chapultepec Park. However, rising safety concerns in Mexico City prompted us to seek new horizons.
After marrying, we auditioned for the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, accepting a three-month contract with the hope of a longer tenure. Thankfully, our discipline and dedication led to full-year contracts, allowing us to perform both nationally and internationally in places like Israel, Turkey, California, and Hawaii. While these experiences enriched my artistry, the transition to life in the United States was isolating. Moving away from family and starting anew with limited resources was challenging, but it taught me resilience.
In 2003, my life took a new turn with the birth of my son, Ernesto Amador, the light of my life. While working for the Lyric Opera of Chicago and teaching at various schools, I discovered my passion for mentoring young dancers. Serving as an artistic director for a local school inspired me to dream of creating my own institution, one that reflected my vision for dance education.
In 2010, after 14 years of living in Chicago, Arizona, and Columbus, we chose San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to family and provide our son with a nurturing environment. Quenedit Ballet School (QBS) was born with just one student, but by November of that year, enrollment had grown to 80. Today, QBS serves hundreds of students, offering diverse dance styles and nurturing a passion for the arts.
In 2014, we founded Quenedit Dance Theatre (now operating as San Antonio Dance), a non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality performances and community outreach. Our annual Nutcracker Ballet and San Antonio Dance Festivalhave become cultural staples, with the latter growing into an international event.
Reflecting on my journey, I am humbled by the path I’ve traveled—from a young girl in Monterrey full of energy to a dancer on international stages and now, a mentor shaping the next generation of artists. Through it all, my passion for dance and my unwavering belief in its power to inspire have remained my guiding lights.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where we are today has been anything but smooth, marked by numerous challenges that have tested our resilience and determination. Personally, my journey in the United States began with significant financial struggles and a daunting language barrier. Moving to a new country with limited resources, no family support, and minimal connections was overwhelming. Yet, these obstacles also taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability.
When we opened Quenedit Ballet School (QBS) in 2010, it was with a leap of faith, starting with just one student and growing steadily through hard work and dedication. However, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. During COVID-19, we lost nearly 90% of our students, and the future of the school hung in the balance. Through relentless effort, I secured grants that allowed us to keep our doors open.
Our non-profit organization, San Antonio Dance, faces ongoing struggles that mirror these challenges. Despite our passion and commitment to delivering high-quality performances and creating community outreach programs, we continually grapple with the lack of sufficient donations, grants, and sponsorships. This limitation creates a frustrating cycle: we cannot hire an experienced executive director to help us secure vital funding, yet without such support, our ability to grow and achieve our vision of becoming a professional dance company remains constrained.
San Antonio is a city rich in culture and diversity, and San Antonio Dance is dedicated to contributing to that vibrancy through the art of dance. We believe in nurturing talent, inspiring creativity, and making the arts accessible to all. However, to truly realize this vision, we need the help of generous patrons, sponsors, and organizations who share our belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Your support can help us break this cycle and propel San Antonio Dance to new heights. With adequate funding, we can expand our outreach, bring in world-class talent, and offer opportunities that enrich the cultural landscape of San Antonio. Together, we can build a legacy in the arts and inspire future generations of dancers and audiences alike.
If you share our passion for the arts and believe in the potential of dance to uplift and unite communities, we invite you to join us on this journey. Your contribution—whether through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships—can make a lasting impact. Together, we can ensure that San Antonio Dance continues to thrive and bring joy, inspiration, and excellence to our community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A Legacy of Excellence in Dance: Quenedit Ballet School and San Antonio Dance
At Quenedit Ballet School (QBS) and San Antonio Dance, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dance education and performances that inspire, elevate, and unite our community. Established in 2010, QBS offers world-class training for students as young as three years old through grown-ups, nurturing their artistic expression and cultivating a lifelong passion for dance. Our curriculum spans ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, acro, rhythmic dance, and more, ensuring a well-rounded experience that meets the diverse needs of our students.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our faculty comprises experienced professionals who have graced international stages and bring their expertise and passion to every class. We don’t just train dancers; we develop artists who embody technical precision, artistry, and confidence both on and off the stage.
In 2014, we expanded our vision by founding San Antonio Dance, a non-profit organization that serves as the home of our pre-professional dance company. Through San Antonio Dance, we aim to enrich the cultural fabric of San Antonio by delivering high-quality performances, creating outreach programs, and offering platforms like our annual San Antonio Dance Festival, which has grown to host participants from around the world.
One of the achievements we are most proud of is our annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet. Since its debut in 2014, it has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families in San Antonio, bringing together our talented students, pre-professional dancers, and local artists. Beyond the stage, we also engage in community outreach programs to share the joy of dance with underrepresented groups, offering scholarships and free performances to ensure that the arts remain accessible to all.
Our brand reflects a harmonious balance of professionalism and heart. At QBS, we foster a supportive and inspiring environment where students not only thrive as dancers but also grow as individuals. At San Antonio Dance, we champion the idea that art can be a catalyst for community connection and cultural enrichment.
We want readers to know that we are more than a school or a dance company—we are a family, a community, and a movement. Whether you’re looking for the highest caliber of dance training, breathtaking performances, or opportunities to make a difference through the arts, we invite you to join us.
At QBS and San Antonio Dance, our mission is clear: to inspire, educate, and bring the joy of dance to everyone. Together, we can continue building a vibrant arts community that celebrates the beauty of movement and the power of expression.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I like to work on my plants
We have a small ranch in Santiago, Nuevo León Mexico that we love to spend time there working on our projects.
I also enjoy coloring books and painting furniture
Contact Info:
- Website: https://queneditdance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queneditballetschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueneditBalletSchool
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@queneditballetschool9107
- Other: https://sadance.org/
