JOHN GONZALES AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Dedicated to my beloved mother, Mary Gonzales,
Hello everyone,
I'm John Gonzales, and my journey with dance began over 45 years ago with a passion for Folklorico that has shaped my life's work. From teaching in communities across Tulare County to founding Gonzales Dance Academy, my mission has always been clear: to create a nurturing space where dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can thrive.
Mom, your unwavering guidance, unconditional love, and steadfast support have been the cornerstone of my journey. Without you, I would not have had the confidence, resilience, and passion to pursue my dreams and share the beauty of Folklorico dance with the world.
Born out of a deep love for culture, traditions, and heritage, Gonzales Dance Academy aims to not only teach the art of Folklorico but also to foster personal growth on and off the stage. Whether in Porterville, Visalia, or now in Fresno,
Thank you for being my rock and inspiration.
Warm regards,
John
From the age of 5, I discovered my passion for dance when I put on my first pair of botines. Little did I know that this moment would ignite a lifelong journey in the world of Folklorico dance.
Throughout my 46 years of dancing, I've had the privilege of serving in various capacities in esteemed dance groups. I started as a beginner in "Los Danzantes de Woodlake," honed my skills as an intermediate dancer in "Grupo Tierra y Sol," and eventually became a professional dancer in "Ballet Folklorico Cuica-Cali." It was in "Ballet Folklorico Alma De México," however, where I truly flourished as a veteran dancer.
My dance journey has been enriched by the guidance of many great directors from the states of Mexico. Maestros like Dora Orozco, Miguel Balderas, Emilio Rivas, Carlos Ochoa, Joel Gutierrez, Nino Carrillo, Carmen Obdulia Espinoza Beltrán, and Silvia Lozano have all played pivotal roles in shaping me both on and off stage.
For 20 years, I've had the honor of serving as the dance teacher for Porterville Unified School District, imparting my expertise in Folklorico to schools and communities in Tulare County and beyond. Holding a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Development, I've not only educated but also inspired students in cities like Visalia, Farmersville, Strathmore, Lindsay, Exeter, Woodlake, Terra Bella, Three Rivers, Ivanhoe, Woodville, and Dinuba.
My experiences as a performer have been equally enriching. From a command performance for Pope John Paul II at Dodger Stadium in 1987 to captivating audiences across the Southwest, Europe, and Latin America, I've cherished every moment on stage. Performances at Universal Studios, Los Angeles Music Center, Hollywood Bowl, Santa Barbara Bowl, and appearances on national and international television have been highlights of my career.
Looking ahead, my vision is to continue targeting youth in communities like Porterville, Visalia, Fresno, and eventually in the Los Angeles area. Through Gonzales Dance Academy, I aim to preserve and promote the rich culture and traditions of the Mexican heritage. My academy will not only retain the historical significance of each dance but also infuse them with energy, movement, color, and music, celebrating life and the cultural richness of Mexico.
"My journey in dance has been incredibly fulfilling, filled with moments of joy, personal growth, and a deep celebration of culture. It's my unwavering passion for Folklorico that fuels my creative spirit and drives me to share this profound art form with others. I am dedicated to preserving the magic of true Folklorico, ensuring that it continues to inspire and captivate generations to come."
John Gonzales
Founder, Gonzales Dance Academy