Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Quiroga.
Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began cheering and dancing when I was eight years old for my neighborhood football team. Later, I went on to cheer for my middle school and high school teams. Throughout those years, my parents were my biggest supporters and encouraged me to always follow my passion. Part of my love for dance comes from dad and Selena! She was and still is one of my biggest inspirations alongside my dad whom was a break dancer back in the day, so it naturally was in me! Growing up, we would dance all night at family parties, weddings and quinceaneras. Another big family passion of ours is supporting Houston Sports teams. After attending all the Texans home games and watching the Texans Cheerleaders perform, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. I auditioned and was beyond excited to make the team and be a part of such an amazing organization! My experience on the team was fulfilling and allowed me to interact with the Houston community. I participated in philanthropic events and represented my team on many television and radio appearances.
After my Texans experience, my journey came full circle when I started coaching my neighborhood little league cheer and drill team. This was gratifying because I was able to give back to my community. I volunteered my talents and was able to truly connect with the youth. I inadvertently became a role model for the young girls I coached for three years. I am lucky to still maintain those relationships and know about their successes in high school and college cheer and dance. As a matter of fact, I have been able to choreograph some of their quinceanera events and have helped them train for high school and college cheer and dance. After years of coaching and working as an instructor in a studio, I decided one day to take a leap of faith and start my own choreography company while maintaining my career. This combination allows me to share my passion for dance with the youth and continue my career path.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been many struggles along the way. The old saying, the road to success is paved with challenges and failure, applies to me as well. Maintaining a full-time job and giving 110% to both my career and growing my choreography company requires a lot of personal sacrifices. I have little free time. My schedule is always flowing. When you are a Latina woman with a large family, yes, this can be problematic! Haha. Nonetheless, all the sacrifices have been worth it and my family is understanding of my absences. Another challenge is working with teenagers and having to adapt to the techniques and methods that work best for them. When I have a hard day at work, it is not always easy to maintain my energy level for a weekday, evening practice. When I get to practice and interact with the teens, they have a unique way of giving me the energy and enthusiasm to have a fun and productive practice! On the flip side, sometimes the teens are having their own challenges and I have to recognize that and provide extra positive vibes. It is rewarding when I can turn a situation around and have fun! No two groups are alike. Working with young teens definitely keeps me young! They sometimes teach me the hip, new moves!
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
SQ Choreography is a mobile service that specializes in providing choreography for Quinceaneras, Sweet Sixteens, Weddings, Cheer/Drill and other special moments.
I take time to learn about what their vision is. Connecting with the teens and family is important to me. Making a personal connection with my clients is part of my service. I understand their events are memorable moments and I believe it is important to express their vision through my choreography.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is definitely a city that embraces my business! Houston is so diverse with a lot of opportunities for growth. I know many studio owners and friends who do well with their small businesses. There are enough business opportunities for everyone to be successful! My advice to anyone wanting to start a business in Houston would be to network. I believe Houston is great about supporting each other and this is one of the qualities I love most about my city!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sqchoreography.com
- Phone: 7138280541
- Email: sqchoreography@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Kapcherd by henry
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