The The place I Dwell sequence goals to showcase our various metropolis and area by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Every week a neighborhood resident invitations us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood particular. Have we been to your neighborhood but? Get in contact to share your story. In case your story is chosen and revealed, you’ll obtain a $250 stipend.
I used to be born and raised in San Antonio right into a household of flamenco artists that rooted themselves on town’s Southside. I grew up listening to the toll of the mission bells ringing on Sunday mornings and having fun with household dinners after dance recitals at Don Pedro’s on SW Navy Drive.
On Huff Avenue, our home was full of the music of my grandfather’s flamenco guitar as my grandmother would observe her zapateado within the kitchen. After we weren’t dancing, the grandchildren would place the mangera (waterhose) on the iron pillar over the concrete porch and we might slide by means of the water, forwards and backwards, on scorching summer time days.
My household remains to be rooted on the Southside, dwelling and operating our household enterprise Teresa Champion Dance Academy. This studio holds over 50 years of reminiscences for my household and the households who’ve danced with us. Whereas we’ve relocated a number of occasions, it doesn’t matter what house our studio was in, these areas have been our second residence — getting ready for performances all through San Antonio at venues such because the Market Sq., Arneson River Theater, Beethoven Theater and lots of others.
Teresa Champion Dance Academy is a real San Antonio Legacy and a household custom that also welcomes dancers of all ages to interact within the artwork type of flamenco and tradition of Mexican Folklórico dance.
As I began my family and profession, I discovered myself dwelling simply north of city off Principal Avenue, working as an adjunct professor at San Antonio Faculty. Dwelling in my stunning rainbow metropolis throughout from LGBTQ strip, I used to be at all times an ally however at that time, I immersed myself locally dancing on the levels alongside legends like Candy Savage, Lynz Andrews, Simply Lexi and lots of different Drag Queens.
I additionally grew to become a member of Diablos Outsports, the biggest LGBTQ+ and Alliance beginner sports activities group, the place I supported lots of my pals in flag soccer, dodgeball and kickball video games. Now you can discover me taking part in sand volleyball on Monday nights.
As my time on Principal Avenue ended, I discovered myself dwelling on Broadway proper off the attractive San Antonio River Stroll Museum Attain. My yard is full of the sounds of the reside music from the VFW Publish 76 and folks gathering at El Camino to take pleasure in meals truck eats.
The River Stroll holds a particular place in my coronary heart as I’m an envoy for Go to San Antonio. I’ve labored with Go to San Antonio for the previous 2 years, as San Antonio River Stroll Princess in 2024 and now the Duchess of 2025, elevating funds and consciousness for the San Antonio Hospitality Basis Scholarship fund. This group has created new friendships and understanding of the hospitality trade and the way our metropolis thrives on tourism. I’m eternally grateful for San Antonio River Stroll Royalty, as now we have develop into greater than pals however household who help one another in all we do.
Dwelling off the River Stroll brings me numerous pleasure. I get to observe individuals benefit from the life line of our metropolis and I too, get to share this with my daughter, who likes to go on Wednesday walks to our favourite restaurant on the Pearl, La Gloria.
I’m no stranger to any a part of San Antonio. As a performing artist, I’ve carried out all through our metropolis, however my coronary heart begins on the Southside and leaves beats all through downtown because it travels residence to Broadway Avenue.
