About Us

We are first-generation Latina Americans and proud college graduates, we are deeply passionate about performance and creative expression. Leadership comes naturally to us, having each held multiple roles that reflect our dedication and drive. United by a shared mission, we strive to serve our community and inspire others through both our work and our presence.

The Origin of Our Friendship

Our friendship began in 2006 when our mothers brought us together through cheerleading. They quickly became friends themselves and encouraged us to do the same. At first, we didn’t exactly hit it off ... we often found ways to annoy each other.

Everything changed in fourth grade when our moms began carpooling us to practices. Between long car rides, playdates, sleepovers, and our shared love of performing, we slowly grew closer. By fifth grade, we were inseparable best friends, and that bond has only continued to grow stronger over the years.

We’ve been best friends ever since and we always will be.

The Making of 'Las Damas'

Las Damas began by chance. In March 2024, we choreographed quinceañera dances for a close family friend whose celebration took place that July. On the day of the event, we naturally stepped into the role of coordinators when we saw that the court and family needed additional support. What started as choreography quickly became something more.

Following the celebration, several guests encouraged us to turn our efforts into a business; something we hadn’t yet realized there was such a strong need for.

In February 2025, another family was referred to us by that very first quinceañera and reached out for choreography services. Their trust and encouragement inspired us to take the leap. By April 2025, Alannis and Stephanie officially launched Las Damas.

What began as an unexpected opportunity has grown into something deeply meaningful. Las Damas allows us to celebrate our Latina heritage, serve our community, and continue sharing our love of dance, performance, and storytelling through movement.

Meet Alannis

Alannis is a first-generation Chilean-American and proud graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU), where she earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Latin American Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration. While her academic and professional path is rooted in public service, dance has always remained one of her greatest passions.

Her dance journey began in hip-hop through workshop classes in Chicago and local community studios. She first discovered her love for choreography in high school while creating pieces for the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) annual cultural show. Since then, Alannis has held multiple leadership roles within the dance community, most notably serving as captain and co-director of Tumbao, NIU’s Latin dance team.

After completing her undergraduate degree in 2023, Alannis continued to pursue dance at a semi-professional level, performing with teams in Chicago (Salvajes) and Aurora (Atrévete).

Witnessing others build confidence, joy, and self-expression through movement is what continues to inspire her work as a dancer and choreographer.

Meet Stephanie, "Steph"

Stephanie is a proud Mexican-American and a graduate of Marquette University, where she earned a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Spanish for the Health Professions. During her time at Marquette, she was deeply involved in the Latino community on campus and served two years on the executive board of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), using leadership as a way to stay connected to her culture.

A lifelong performer, Stephanie has always enjoyed exploring new dance styles and creative expression. In 2019, she co-choreographed the Latin segment for the Bayanihan Student Organization’s (BSO) cultural show and later spent two years coaching cheerleading with the Bartlett Cheerleading Association (BCA).

Stephanie’s love for dance began at a young age, inspired by the 2001 film Barbie in the Nutcracker, which introduced her to ballet. She eagerly pursued dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading, beginning ballet classes around the age of four. Throughout her academic journey, she continued performing in cultural shows at South Elgin High School and during her time at Marquette University. She also took on the challenge of participating in Battle of the Bamboo at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), representing Filipino culture and dance alongside BSO.

Stephanie is passionate about inspiring the next generation to build discipline, confidence, and become well-rounded individuals through movement and performance.

Our Roots

Talca, Chile

Alannis’ story begins in the 1980s, when her parents, Patricio and Lorena, met at just 15 years old. Living under the hardships of the Pinochet regime in Chile, her family longed for safety, stability, and a better future. When the opportunity arose, they relocated to Mexico City in search of new possibilities.

Eventually, Patricio and Lorena made the difficult decision to leave Mexico as well. With only two suitcases and their young children, they immigrated to the United States in the 1990s, carrying with them hope, courage, and determination.

Their resilience and perseverance have been a constant source of inspiration. The lessons they passed down: hard work, determination, and hope. They continue to guide Alannis today. That same spirit drives our business: building something meaningful from humble beginnings.

Los Pueblos de México

Stephanie’s story begins in the 1960s and 70s, when her grandfathers, Aureliano of Ayutla, Jalisco, Reymundo of Chamacuaro, Guanajuato, and Leonardo II of San Luis Potosí, each made the courageous decision to leave Mexico. Ultimately, they all immigrated to Chicago, Illinois to build a new life in the land of opportunity.

Aureliano, arranged for his children, which included Stephanie's paternal grandmother, Catalina, to leave their small town after the passing of her mother, Mercedes. At just 11 years old, Catalina and her five siblings came to north side of Chicago quickly having to learn the ways of the United States.

Reymundo risked everything when leaving Mexico. Eventually his work paid off was was able to bring his family which included Stephanie’s maternal grandmother, Delia, their daughter Sandra, Stephanie’s mother, and eventually his siblings to join him on the South Side of Chicago.

Similarly, Leonardo worked tirelessly in on the North Side of Chicago to support his family back in Mexico, sending money to fund his sister’s education and ensure a brighter future for those he loved.

Both sides laid down roots and grew their families in Chicago, shaping legacies built on sacrifice, resilience, and love.

Decades later, their stories intertwined when Stephanie’s parents, Leo and Sandra, met at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in the 1990s, uniting two families and laying the foundation for the values, traditions, and passion Stephanie carries forward today.

"Choreographed with heart, inspired by heritage."

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