About #ACA
Alamo City Artists is a visually engaging blog space dedicated to highlighting the local artists of San Antonio, Texas.
Photography and writing by Nina A Padilla of Vignette Portrait Photography.
Creative blog space designed and managed by Motion Arts Media, LLC.
Featured on #WomenWednesdays in collaboration with San Antonio Woman Magazine.
Teresa Champion
Teresa Champion Dance Academy
I had the honor of photographing San Antonio icon and living legend Teresa Champion back in 2018 for my BARE Artist portrait series. I have known Teresa and the Champion family for several years now and this incredible woman, artist, mother, and teacher never ceases to amaze me.
Teresa has a long history here in the Alamo City and has performed in venues all over the world. She is also credited with bringing the art of flamenco to San Antonio, Texas. A local native, Teresa's artistic journey began when she was only 6 years old and has continued, in full force, well into her 80s as she continues to teach at her school, Teresa Champion Dance Academy.
Like most artists these days, Teresa had to pivot during pandemic times and at 82 years old, learned how to navigate the virtual world and adapted her teachings so that her students could still take classes while at home. She was able to sustain her studio and in August of 2020, partially opened her school for in person learning while still offering virtual classes for students who were unable to attend class. The school was unable to host a recital, however, the students of TCDA were supported by local business Rowdy's Barbecue with a venue for a small performance and a fundraiser to help the school.
As an artist and supporter of the arts, Teresa has received many accolades for her work and was recently honored by Broadway Across America for her artistry and innovation and was named one of their Rising Stars.
As a multi-generational family of artists, Teresa's love, legacy, and art are sure to live on through her family. Her daughter, Chayito Champion, has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a an accomplished flamenco singer, has performed all over the world, and is the founder and CEO of The Flamenco Arts Society of San Antonio. Her granddaughter, Annette Champion Flores, is an accomplished and well known dance educator and performer in San Antonio and is the Artistic Director for Teresa Champion Dance Academy.
You can follow Teresa Champion Dance Academy on Facebook here.
