Meet Veronica Perez of Studio 101 Dance & Fitness in Logan Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Perez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Veronica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As women, we tend to always take care of the house, the family, the job and forget to take care of ourselves. As you become older, there are certain health & body “maintenance” items that can’t be ignored. I ignored several “red flags” because I thought the priority was the job and making sure my family had what they needed. Oblivious to the fact, that what they needed was ME!!

When I finally could not take the pain and discomfort, I went to the doctor… long story short, the diagnosis was not good. Not being able to get a guarantee that treatment would completely eliminate the problem – I opted for a more drastic route – a Hysterectomy. The fact that this would take me towards early menopause at the age of 38 and that (even though I was finished) my childbearing days were over – hit me hard!

Depression is real! It can manifest in different ways! Like many, my way of dealing with my feelings and anxiety about my physical reality, I turned to food & cigarettes. I tried all the pills on the commercials, weight watchers even Jenny Craig. Nothing that I was doing was working.

But then, I HEARD THE MUSIC!! I was invited to my very first Zumba class and never looked back!

I cried after my first class I was so happy! I had searched for the ideal program to help me not only feel better but live better. Two months later… I lost 25 lbs. dancing!

Soon, I started doing three classes a week! This became my escape. It became my lifestyle! It changed the way I eat, the way I live, the way I interact with others- It changed my spirit and my SOUL!!

Three years ago when I embarked on this journey, I never imagined how life-changing it would be. I was the awkward student in the back corner that never wanted to be seen. Hoping and praying that the instructor would not come/or look my way. I simply hated the way I looked and that became apparent in the way I interacted with others. If anything, this journey has taught me to LOVE and ACCEPT the things I can’t change. I stopped complaining about my body and began working on the inside and when I least expected the outside began to change as well! I’ve learned to love my imperfections – they are what tell my story. A story ONLY I can tell. I’m still under construction… but I am closer to my goal!

Then, there was the hesitation and self-doubt about becoming an instructor. What if they don’t like me? What if I am not good enough! I would look at pictures of all these (according to the magazines and society) skinny young instructors and think to myself “YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND – NOBODY IS GOING TO COME TO YOUR CLASSES!” So many negative thoughts. So many doubts. But then (as I always do), I said F*&^CK IT! When have I EVER cared about what people think! I have scars that life has given me that NO ONE else can say they have. My struggles, my failures, my conquests can help the other Veronica’s. – I follow a few other instructors that always remind me how important what I do is. Not for fame or acknowledgment (because let’s be honest… this gig doesn’t make you tons of money – I still have a day job).

How can you help other women accept, love and empower each other?
For every imperfection, every grey hair, every scar/stretch mark, I am reminded that in order for the world to accept me – I have to love the real me. And in order to connect with my student, I must let myself be vulnerable.

“I realized that what I REALLY teach is authenticity, acceptance, love, empowerment, and self-worth.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Growing a business/fanbase/following/clientele is not easy! You have to be a walking billboard for what you do! You have to show your passion. Tons of Free classes!

Picking a Team that would “love” my baby as much as I do, was also challenging. This job is one of passion and servitude for others. You can be a great dancer but if you don’t have people skills to make that connection… you will end up with empty classes

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Studio 101 Dance & Fitness – what should we know?
Our list of classes includes many types of formats and styles with a variety of skill levels, so rest assured there’s an option that’s perfect for you. We’re constantly updating our offerings, so check back often to make sure you don’t miss out on a new dance opportunity.

We offer:
ZUMBA®

Perfect For: Everybody and everybody! Each Zumba® class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on.

MIXXEDFIT®
MIXXEDFIT® IS A PEOPLE-INSPIRED FITNESS PROGRAM THAT INCORPORATES EXPLOSIVE MOVEMENTS AND BOOTCAMP TONING.
​
Everything about our program can be described as explosive – all of our movements are always big, exaggerated, full-out, and our very best.

COMMIT DANCE FITNESS
The COMMIT Dance Fitness Experience is…
A dynamic, fun-filled HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)-style dance workout. Each routine focuses on essential fitness elements created to a variety of popular music, from all over the world that will inspire everyone to get moving.

KIDS WANNA DANCE
Call it dance. Call it exercise. When kids move to music, they call it fun! Kids’ dance fitness programs are gaining momentum everywhere! My Goal for the Kids Wanna Dance Program is simple: I want girls to feel comfortable in their own skin. We use Music & Dance Fitness  to teach life & leadership skills to all our students.  Each session focuses on self esteem and expression through dance & fitness. This program does not use  advanced Choreographies but rather focuses on endurance and coordination.

Each format is based around client’s needs and music preferences. I am mostly proud that we have created an inviting and family oriented community. I have my kids dance moms in most of my classes as well. My regular students are always encouraging out new clients.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am constantly thanking my students! I always end each class with a celebration song for them to just do their own thing. And when we do the cool down I always end with thank you for joining me tonight!

As they grow stronger, I grow stronger! Without th,eir support, we could not keep out doors open.

Pricing:

• Each (60) minute adult Class is $8 each (online registration available)
• KIDS DANCE (7) Class Session $35

Contact Info:

• Address: 3627 W Armitage Ave
  Chicago, Illinois 69647
• Website: www.101dancestudio.com
• Phone: 7736394901
• Email: 101dancestudio@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/101.dance.studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio101Dance/

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.