We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zorailyn Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zorailyn below.
Hi Zorailyn, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
My self-discipline comes primarily from knowing that I’m the only one who can do what I do behind the scenes of Latin Dance Toledo, and it needs to be done right and at the highest standard. That sense of responsibility is what drives me. Over time, I’ve learned to set clear goals, manage my time effectively, and stay focused on what the studio needs to function smoothly. From daily tasks to long-term projects, I push myself to stay consistent, with no excuses and no delays. I’m my own boss, and I take that seriously. It’s up to me to prove to myself what I’m capable of doing, on time and done well.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder and driving force behind Latin Dance Toledo, a community based organization dedicated to spreading the joy, connection, and culture of Latin dance in the Toledo area and surround. I actually started just teaching for fun, sharing what I loved with a few friends and community members, but one thing led to another, and it slowly grew into something much bigger.
What makes Latin Dance Toledo special is that it’s not just about steps and technique, it’s about community. We create a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect through the music and energy of Latin culture.
Every event, class, or social dance night is carefully planned and executed behind the scenes, and I take pride in making sure everything runs smoothly.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have made the biggest impact on my journey:
Not being shy about anything: Building something meaningful requires putting yourself out there. I learned early on that waiting for people to come to you doesn’t work, you have to make the first move. Introduce yourself, start the conversations, or invite someone to a class or event, connection starts with courage.
Taking risks even when you’re scared: Growth never comes from comfort. I’ve taken a lot of leaps that felt scary in the moment, like organizing my first event, teaching a new crowd, or stepping into leadership, but every one of those moments pushed me forward. Fear is normal, but it shouldn’t be a reason to stop.
Always promoting what you’re doing: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that just because you’re doing something great doesn’t mean people know it exists. There are so many people out there who might love what you offer, but you have to go the extra mile to reach them. Promote your work consistently, creatively, and proudly.
My advice to anyone just starting out? Just start.
The hardest part is getting over the mental block of beginning something new. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, get your feet wet. Once you’ve started, you’ll gain clarity, experience, and confidence. Then, focus on building connections and putting your work in front of the right people. Momentum builds as you go.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I would dedicate that time to building a strong studio and an even stronger community, a place that can continue to grow and inspire long after I’m gone. A decade is still a lot of time, and I would use it to create something that lasts.
I’d want to leave behind a legacy, not for recognition, but to remind people why this matters. Dance, connection, and culture have the power to change lives, and I’d love for Latin Dance Toledo to continue doing that even when I’m no longer here. My hope would be that the space, the values, and the community live on, that people keep dancing, keep showing up for one another, and keep feeling that sense of belonging we’ve worked so hard to build.
It’s about the impact. If I could leave something that still brings people joy, confidence, and community after I’m gone, that would mean everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.latindanceintoledo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latindancetoledo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Latindanceintoledo/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/latin-dance-in-toledo-toledo?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
