Life & Work with Consuelo (Sway) Valenzuela of Ahwatukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Consuelo (Sway) Valenzuela.

Hi Consuelo (Sway), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started taking adult hip-hop classes at Azfoothillsdance. The owner approached me about teaching a class and asked if I had any dance experience. I responded yes. I taught at fred astaire and desert dance club for about 7 years in my twenties and was on my college hip-hop squad. I hadn’t taught in over 10 years. I had been only dancing in my living room for about 6 months. I agreed to teach the class. I started to teach Latin dance and couples salsa. After teaching for a few months, I had a request to do Quinceanera then I was asked to lead the two dance groups. The love and response were amazing from my student. I just kept getting more requests for choreography and classes. It has been an amazing experience teaching and getting to know my students.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was more like a snowball effect. I never intended to open my own business. It just naturally happened. I’m currently pregnant and maintaining my dance groups. I’ve already taken maternity leave for my regular weeknight classes. Being a pregnant woman at 42 and dancing several times a week has been challenging. I will be taking maternity leave during the summer. My students have been extremely supportive, and we are working on our last performance. I intend to return in the fall. I already have another Quinceanera schedule when I return. I’m so excited for the future and happy to bring dance to the Ahwatukee foothills.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love creating beautiful art through dance, painting, modeling, and makeup art. I’ve been primarily known for my makeup skills. I’m also a multi-media artist creating different styles of painting for commissions or just because I love using bright colors to bring my art alive. During covid, the makeup took a back seat to dance. I started dancing again by myself in my living room. After I started teaching, my students inspired me to do more choreography. It is known for teaching beginner classes and creating Latin dance performance pieces. I live my life in a very creative way. I want to inspire people to be more creative. I’m so proud of my dance groups and my connections with these fantastic women. I’m also proud of the community I can be a part of. It’s so fulfilling to see my student grow in confidence. I truly feel blessed to be a part of it. I’m most proud of my children and that I’m setting a good example that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My main goal in life is to serve others and inspire my children and anyone ready to receive it. That it’s always possible to grow and learn, I’ve had a lot of trauma. I didn’t believe in myself for a long time. Working on my inner self and physical strength took me several years. It wasn’t until I started loving and believing in myself that others were drawn to me and I could fully express myself in a healthy, positive way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sugarbysway
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbysway?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Sonja Stafford