Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Trejo Perez.
Hi Marina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Dream Dance Studio started as a dream in 2019, right here in Roanoke, Virginia—but my story began long before that.
I was born in Mexico and raised in Florida, surrounded by different cultures, music, and traditions that naturally shaped who I am. Dance came into my life when I was seven years old, and from that moment on, it became part of me. What started as something I loved slowly turned into something bigger—a way to connect, to express, and eventually, to lead.
Since 2012, I’ve been teaching and working with students of all ages. Along the way, I became a certified dance instructor, group fitness instructor, and personal trainer, but more than anything, I became someone who believes deeply in what dance can do for a person. People started calling me “She Who Dances with Joy,” and honestly, that’s exactly how I see it. Dance isn’t just movement to me—it’s confidence, it’s healing, it’s community.
In 2021, I was honored to be recognized by the Latinas Network as a Latina leader and role model, especially for young girls. And in 2024, I received the NFX Top Influencer Award: Shining Star for the work I’ve done in the Roanoke community.
Those moments mean a lot to me, not just as achievements, but as reminders that the work we’re doing is making an impact.
When I created Dream Dance Studio, I wanted it to be more than just a place to learn choreography. I wanted to build something that represented culture, family, and opportunity. Today, we’re proud to be the first and only studio on the East Coast specializing in Quinceañera choreography, helping families celebrate such an important milestone in a meaningful way.
We’ve also created two teams that are very close to my heart—Dreamers International and the region’s first Mexican Folklore Dance Team.
These teams are about more than performance; they’re about identity, pride, and keeping traditions alive while creating new opportunities for the next generation.
At Dream Dance, we offer classes in both English and Spanish because I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel seen and welcomed. This studio is built on connection—it’s where people come to grow, to express themselves, and to be part of something bigger.
At the end of the day, Dream Dance Studio is more than a business to me—it’s home. It’s a space where dreams are supported, where culture is celebrated, and where we continue building a legacy of joy, one step at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be.
What I’ve built through Dream Dance Studio is something different for this community. It’s not just about dance, it’s about culture, identity, and education. And when you introduce something new, there’s always a learning curve—not just for the students, but for the community as a whole.
Inside the studio, many of our students understand the purpose behind what we do. But when we step outside into the broader community, I’ve had to be very intentional and strategic in how we present our work. Our performances are not just entertainment—they tell stories, they carry history, and they represent culture. So part of the challenge has been making sure that message is understood and respected, not overlooked.
Another major challenge has been building the right team. It’s not easy to find instructors who are not only skilled dancers, but also versatile, culturally aware, and aligned with the deeper mission behind the studio. I’ve had to be very selective and patient, because for me, it’s not just about teaching steps—it’s about teaching meaning, discipline, and pride.
There have definitely been moments of pressure, moments of doubt, and moments where things didn’t come together easily. But every challenge has forced me to grow—stronger in my leadership, clearer in my vision, and more committed to the impact I want to create.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I do goes beyond teaching dance—I create experiences that build confidence, culture, and community.
I’m the founder of Dream Dance Studio, where I specialize in Quinceañera choreography, cultural dance, and performance training. I’m known for bringing strong energy and intention into my work—my students don’t just learn steps, they learn confidence, discipline, and pride in who they are.
What I’m most proud of is building something that represents more than dance. We are the first and only studio on the East Coast specializing in Quinceañera choreography, and we’ve created two teams—Dreamers International and the region’s first Mexican Folklore Dance Team.
Those spaces give students a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.
What sets me apart is my versatility and vision. I combine dance, fitness, mentorship and cultural education into one experience, and everything we do has meaning behind it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting out, my biggest advice is to be patient with your process and stay consistent, even when you don’t see results right away.
I wish I knew that not everyone will understand your vision in the beginning—and that’s okay. You have to believe in what you’re building before anyone else does. There will be moments where things feel slow or uncertain, but that doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward.
I’d also say, don’t just focus on being talented—focus on being disciplined and open to learning. Growth comes from showing up, staying coachable, and being willing to do the work behind the scenes.
And most importantly, stay true to your purpose. It’s easy to compare yourself or try to follow what everyone else is doing, but what makes you different is your power. Protect that, build on it, and trust that it will set you apart.
Pricing:
- $180 International Dreamers Dance Team
- Dance cards per month $105 per semester $288
- Folklor Dance Team $100
- Quinceañera constumazise packages
Contact Info:
- Website: Dream Dance Studio https://share.google/EGnNdwRjJzD5hKjof
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamdancestudio_84
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Do9iLJWHo/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/14RpKCddJso/
