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

Hi Mersally, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Growing up, I had a very traditional concept of what my first dance studio would look like one day. I dreamed of opening a dance studio with big mirrors, and beautiful shiny wood floors. I envisioned a place where students could come to learn anything from ballet to salsa! The dream was pure magic.  

While I have always dreamed of the glitz and glamour of a picturesque dance studio, I vividly remember a sobering moment while visiting my home town in Mexico – the place where my love for dancing started. There wasn’t anything fancy about where my love for dancing began, it was the simplicity of people who poured into me that changed my life. Visiting my home reminded me to get back to my roots, to dig deep and remember the foundation that created my love for dance. 

I love dance today because of the meaningful relationships I developed, because of the teachers who poured into me and into their community. I received so many wonderful opportunities to dance my heart out even when there were no resources and programs for dance education. The teacher that I am today is not because of the glitz and glamour of a dance studio, but because of the love and passion that I received from so many beautiful people. 

As soon as I realized my God given purpose, my thought process and journey changed to one that is focused on community, love and compassion and less on the image of something shiny and new. Mersy G. Dance Company is about sharing the art of dance, the love for helping people while celebrating culture and diversity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As the Director of Mersy G. Dance, i’m still keeping myself busy actively dancing and teaching, while nurturing the amazing partnerships that have been created and have worked with me through the many challenges of the pandemic. We are currently offering our youth classes at Gilbert Public Schools & Creo Montessori (private school), and our adult classes through Queen Creek Unified School District, with more to come! I’m also busy collaborating with school dance teachers to incorporate dance styles they don’t normally teach as part of their curriculum, as well as collaborating with local talented dance teachers to share their expertise through Mersy G. Dance and provide them with teaching opportunities.

What sets you apart from others? and what are you the most proud of?

What sets Mersy G. Dance apart is that we truly believe that EVERYONE is set apart. As dancers, many of us are embarking on fabulous individual 

journeys of self-expression and growth.  As dancers we’re trained toreach perfection; perfect lines and techniques that make our moves flawless. While it is undoubtably important to develop your skill, the ultimate goal is to grow in your art so much that you become set-apart, unique, and develop your own style. Therefore we only collaborate with teachers that can embody and understand this concept, and are able to speak confidence into each one of our students. We prioritize the true beauty and gift of dance!, which is the opportunity to be completely free, allowing yourself to fully feel and express the movement. No one else can be you in that moment!

My love and passion for this art, is implemented into my dance programs and can be seen in everything from my choreography, teaching methods, and professionally competing, tome dancing in my own kitchen while I cook an amazing family meal. For myself and so many others, dancing feeds the soul. Dancing is not just forprofessionals; it is for everyone. It can be done as your career orsomething that you do to fuel your spirit. In my case, it’s both!

 As a business owner, I am excited to continue to grow and collaborate with like-minded teachers and community members. It is my ultimate goal to make the benefits of dance available  – for everyone, and I am so proud to be the owner of a small but impactful business that can enhance the lives of so many.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Arizona has so many beautiful and worthwhile  places to visit and see. One thing my friends know about me is that I’m a complete foodie & love a great cup of coffee. Therefore, I would start the morning by going to my favorite local coffee spot called Mythical Coffee In Gilbert. For lunch, It would definitely depend on the mood, however Mexican food is a great go to in AZ, I love the great quality of food you can get at some of the mom & pop restaurants in here. Another favorite place is Simi’s Cafe it is always welcoming with great service and a their Pho is outstanding. As an evening spot, I would visit Dave & Busters for their Salsa night or Tapas Papás in Scottsdale that has an amazing Flamenco performance by Yumi de La Rosa. As a quick get-away from the valley, I’d recommend Sedona for a hike followed by the relaxing stay at L’ Auberge Spa resort. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I have so much to be grateful for! but first I want to thank God and my family. My husband for supporting my dreams, and my children for being my biggest motivation to all I do!, to “Shoutout Arizona” for creating a platform for small business owners, creators & artist, recognizing our contribution to our communities, and allowing us to share our stories. Also a big thank you! to all of my students for appreciating my passion for this art, specially to my dear student and friend Princess Reyes for recognizing my work and referring me to “Shout Out Arizona”. Thank you to every single friend who believed in me, you know who you are! And to the mothers, the wife’s and all of the woman supporting other woman, making a way for us to have the opportunity to accomplish our dreams.

Website: https://www.mersygdancecompany.com/ 

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