We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karla below.

Karla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I had to part ways with my previous dance and business partner, and it became one of the most defining moments of my life. I felt hurt, scared, and deeply sad. Overnight, I was without an income to survive and suddenly separated from what had been my dance home.

I had a few options in front of me: go back to Mexico and be with my family, get a traditional 8-to-5 job, or somehow find the courage to continue building my own path in dance.

But my students didn’t let me walk away.

I was flooded with text messages and calls. They told me, “We’re going to wait for you. Take the time you need to figure things out, but please start teaching again. We want to learn from you.”

Then something even more incredible happened. Some of them helped me look for spaces so I could have my own studio. Others offered construction advice. A group of them literally gathered in one of their warehouses, installed mirrors, and polished the concrete floor so I could start teaching as soon as possible. Some helped me get my first set of speakers and a microphone. And the calls and messages kept coming.

At that moment, all I wanted to do was curl up and cry—and I did. For a couple of days, that’s exactly what I did.

But through all of it, these beautiful souls reminded me of something powerful: even in moments of uncertainty and pain, there is still so much goodness in humanity.

They didn’t just support me—they lifted me back onto the dance floor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. While earning my Bachelor’s degree in Economics, I took leadership courses and received several scholarships. I moved to Dallas in 2013 and faced many different challenges, from gaining the confidence to communicate in English to learning how to live away from my family.

I started my dance training in 2014 and later began teaching. Fast forward to 2019, when I opened my own place, Kumbala Dance Studio.

At Kumbala Dance Studio, we specialize in a variety of Latin rhythms, including salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, texanas, norteñas, and many others. Social dancing is our main focus in both our group and private classes, but we have also helped many couples create their dream first dance. We are known for providing high-quality instruction while making every class enjoyable.

I’m very proud to host these daily classes. The regular interaction with our students makes it easy for everyone to quickly feel like family, and that’s something I truly love about the studio. It becomes a safe place for all of us. You won’t feel judged here—this is not a competition for anyone. We are here to learn, get a great cardio workout, and take our minds off our jobs and daily responsibilities.

The moment you walk through our doors, you can feel it—the lightness, the warmth, the flow. It lives not only in us, the Kumbala staff, but also in every instructor who shares their art here and every student who brings their energy to the floor. This studio is more than just a space; it’s a feeling, a collective heartbeat.

A good environment is priceless, and we are endlessly grateful for the love, respect, and positive energy that every single person brings into Kumbala.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This industry taught me how powerful women supporting women can truly be. I grew up in a very religious and conservative city, and unfortunately, it wasn’t until my early 30s that I became aware of how “machista” my own mentality had been.

Life eventually placed me in situations that forced me to open my eyes and see things differently. Along that journey, I realized I was surrounded by the love, encouragement, and support of so many incredible women. Their kindness, strength, and generosity made me pause and reflect deeply on my upbringing and the beliefs I had carried for so long.

Those moments were transformative for me. They helped me grow, and they reminded me of the power of community, empathy, and lifting one another up.

To this day, I feel incredibly grateful for the women in my life. Their presence, support, and friendship have shaped me in ways I will always cherish.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I got pregnant with my first baby in 2022, at the exact same time I signed the lease for a bigger space to expand my business. I lost my baby—I had a miscarriage—and it was the most painful moment of my life.

Kumbala helped me stay afloat. The people, the dancing, the hugs, the sweet words… teaching every single class helped heal my soul little by little.

Continuing to teach while also moving forward with the construction plans for the new space was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I was shattered, but at the same time, it was exactly what I needed.

Today, I feel at peace. I’m deeply grateful to be able to hold my second baby in my arms and to dance with him in the bigger space we were able to open in 2022.

Truly blessed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kumbaladancestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumbaladancestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kumbaladancestudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-maldonado-04902121
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kumbaladancestudio6460
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kumbala-dance-studio-farmers-branch?osq=kumbala+dance+studio