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A Latin-American Dance Team
THE MUEVETE CON ACADEMIA FE TEAM
Fatima Campos and Erika Carlos Lopez have been close friends since their middle school days. Despite being members of rival dance teams, their shared passion for dance brought them together. Over the years, they participated in various talent show competitions and quinceañera performances. However, the pandemic halted their love for dance as dance groups started closing down. As a result, they lost touch for a while until fate brought them back together on the first day of university. To their surprise, they both enrolled in the same university and discovered they had chosen the same dance professor for Dance 101- Introduction to Dance. The coincidences didn't stop there; they selected the same day and time for the course and were assigned to the same team out of 200 students.
Inspired by their passion for dance and their Latin-American culture, Fatima and Erika dedicated themselves to continue promoting and expressing themselves through dance. They spent months choreographing, and on July 2022, Muevete con Academia FE was formed. The duo aimed to showcase their love for dance and keep their culture alive. Their bond with their students inspire them to push themselves harder every day.
DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR: FATIMA CAMPOS
Hello!
My love for dance started in fifth grade when my best friend insisted on me joining Alma Latina de Lynwood Dance Team. My first ever practice was at the Henning Youth Center, the same place I get to teach now (CRAZY I KNOW). After my nervousness faded, I was hooked on the music, the beats, and the feeling of being in sync with the rhythm completely captivated me. While being in Alma Latina for over fourteen years I involved myself with many dance opportunities that crossed my path: Talent Shows, Quinceañeras’, Heritage Culture Fairs, Spirit Rally Performances, etc. But when the pandemic hit- I thought my dance journey was over. BUT Muevete con Academia Fe was born. Forming Academia Fe was difficult because there wasn’t anyone to guide us, much less instructions. But out of all the teams and groups I’ve participated with, the main difference Academia Fe has is the bond we all have. I think there is so much love between everyone, and it makes the whole experience all much better. I think our team is full of talented students, and I’m so excited about the new opportunities coming!!
Anyways when I'm not dancing, my schedule is full and busy as I balance my education and career aspirations. As a Psychology major at California State University, Fullerton and a McNair Scholar, I am driven to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a Psychology Professor. Moreover, I actively engage as a researcher at the Center of Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-Real). Presently, my research focus centers on the health and well-being of Latino communities, and my commitment to this cause remains steadfast as I continue to investigate and contribute to the betterment of our community. :)
DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR: Erika Carlos Lopez
Hey guys! My name is Erika Carlos Lopez! I’ve been dancing for over a decade and have so many passions. Besides being an instructor for Academia FE, I am also a choreographer for special events including weddings and quinceaneras! I am simply a busy bee 🐝 I love to participate in so many things! I paint and draw in my free time, as well as play some instruments like the accordion and guitar!
I am currently a full-time student at Cal State Fullerton majoring in Liberal Studies with an Elementary education emphasis! My goal is to become a 2nd-grade teacher. Hopefully and god-willing I can complete my undergrad and receive my credential program here. I plan on getting my master's and maybe a doctorate?! Anyways, more fun information about me is I love building, so I got a job at Home Depot! I really enjoy my work there! A final speed run of my likes is anything Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars especially, and most notably, Winnie the Pooh! That’s all for now, hope to see you soon! 💛