We recently connected with Xten Ancona and have shared our conversation below.
Xten, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I always enjoyed dancing growing up but in a casual setting at family gatherings or with my grandma who always encouraged me to dance. My parents enrolled me in a couple of dance classes growing up but it wasn’t until I was 16 and in high school that I truly fell in love with dance and started training in hip hop and Latin fusion style dancing. I was not professionally trained so my training consisted of starting a dance crew named FLS and learning from the members of the team. We loved it, we trained in garage and outdoors – rain or shine, in Texas heat or Texas ice – we practiced 5-6 days a week for several years. We competed/danced professionally and won multiple awards and competitions throughout Texas and even did a nationally televised talent search show called Tengo Talento Mucho Talento where we made it to the finals. Overall, I know my training may have been faster if I would have been part of an actual dance studio or pro training program but I believe that for the styles I was learning nothing beats the raw essence of learning from peers and establishing the foundations of hip hop in the social setting of a dance crew. I believe the skills necessary including the confidence, free-styling and self-expression in hip hop and reggaeton are best learned in this way. Although the obstacles of not having an indoor space were a part of my journey, it makes me even more grateful for the time I spent dancing professionally for the Dallas Cowboys and big artists.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In 2018 my best friend unexpectedly passed away and the traumatic effects on my mental health completely changed my life. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and was placed on medical leave for over 3 months as I was deemed unfit to work due to the severity of my mental illness. During this time I completely quit dance and put every ounce of effort I had into healing and getting better. It wasn’t until 2020 that I once again found my love for dance and decided to start teaching a class here and there. To my surprise, because of my time away from the dance scene, every class I hosted sold out and a new fire was born within me! I wanted to spread my love for dance and musica Latina by offering Latin Fusion dance classes to adults while also sharing my testimony of overcoming such a difficult time in my life. In particular I wanted to spread my love for dance to adults who maybe never got the chance to dance as kids, or those who were in search for a new hobby or passion – so I focused in on teaching Beginners Latin Fusion. I also provided Advanced/Pro level classes too so I could reconnect with my peers in the dance industry in Dallas. As I organically grew my following and class sizes I realized that the hardships from 2018 had created a passion within me to create an environment that welcomes all – an environment to disconnect and do something good for your mind, body and soul. And that is how my purpose and passion were combined. I take a moment at the end of every single class to talk about mental health and how no matter how dark life can be – there is always light at the other side of those difficult times, as long as we never give up. through this message and my dance classes I am about to hit my 4th year of consistently sold out beginners classes! I currently offer 2 sets of classes each month – beginner and advanced in the Latin Fusion style I grew up training in – a mix of hip hop and Latin dance movements. I also offer choreography services for artists, shows, and teams. I’ve danced professionally for artists as well. Most recently I’ve worked with the Allen American Ice Angels and the Oklahoma City Thunder – O City Crew ! My work has also been shared on social media by some of the biggest artists in my genre of music including: Wisin y Yandel, Pitbull, Becky G, J Balvin, and Karol G plus many more. I also provide private lessons to those students wanting more of a 1 on 1 approach to learning. I believe what sets me apart from other teachers and classes is my emphasis on the environment and the feeling you have during my classes. I strive to provide an experience – a safe and fun place to learn with addition of professionally filmed footage of class included in your class purchase as a keepsake of your experience in class. If I could tell my followers and potential clients anything it would be: it’s never too late to try something new, give yourself the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and experience dance! You already won the day the second you step into the studio by doing something good for yourself – mind, body and soul!
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started teaching again after my time away, it was difficult to put myself out there again. The self-critic inside me became my worst enemy but with lots of positive energy from my support system of friends and family – I pushed against those thoughts and began posting my classes and dances. I started to be intentional and posted every single time I taught. Over time, I had multiple videos go viral and took my following from a few thousand to now over 85K followers across all of my platforms. I have had some of the biggest artists in my genre share my work and feel beyond blessed! My biggest advice to others starting their social media journey is: DO NOT OVERTHINK! Just post! It’s all about being consistent and being yourself. The more true to you the easier it will be to create content and share.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, being able to express myself in such a genuine way through dance is such a rewarding experience. But more importantly I feel that through art I am able to impact others in a positive way – I always say: my students give me purpose. Seeing them accomplish their goals in dance and being a part of their journey is the most rewarding part of what I do!
Contact Info:
- Website: xtenancona.com
- Instagram: @xtenancona
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@XTENANCONA
- Other: TikTok: @xtenancona
Image Credits
Pixel Perfect Rose – Photography – Rose Scoggins – @pixelperfect_rose