Ruben Dorame - director, choreographer and founder of The Drop Dance Studio

In this episode, we hear from Ruben Dorame, director, choreographer and founder of The Drop Dance Studio. Ruben takes us back to his college years when he had the opportunity to launch a business while in the middle of a school project at the University of Arizona. He touches on his motivation for opening a dance studio, stemming from childhood memories with his dance friends and the importance of finding spaces to dance and perform in his neighborhood. He explains how “dance chose him” from the young of eleven years old and his transition from focusing on sports to the hip-hop dance scene, which originated from learning how to “sea walk” in preparation for a middle school dance! Ruben digs into explaining his artistic root, sharing his list of dance influences that also includes his mother’s moves inspired by her Mexican roots. Ruben also breaks down key moments in the journey of The Drop Dance Studio and the transition from a for-profit business to a non-profit organization. Finally, Ruben shares what is moving him, literally and conceptually, in this moment, capping the episode with his hopes and vision for The Drop Dance Studio and its dancers.

To hear all this more, listen to the full-length podcast by clicking the link above! To listen to the mini, click below!