“I’m happy that Flamenco is still around…”
Teresa Champion celebrated her 86th birthday on Saturday • October 21st, 2024, and had a documentary film EL Duende Within…I am Champion premiere earlier in the month, presented by Sinclair Broadcast. Not only does the documentary describe how she met her late husband and guitarist, Willie “El Curro” Champion, but details her many experiences in theatre and film, and for the inspiration she has sparked within her children and great-grandchildren. Teresa is not only known for her artistic contributions and trailblazing efforts in San Antonio, but for the CHAMPION family legacy that runs deep within the roots of the San Antonio, TX arts community.
Teresa and Curro have produced hundreds of dancers and instructors over their careers. They both appeared in the movie “The Alamo” with John Wayne and toured the country and Europe with artists such as Bill Cosby and Cantinflas. Teresa Champion continues to help grow the Arts and Dance Community in San Antonio and shares her passion for dance with many aspiring young dancers. Teresa’s dedication to the Arts was recognized in the 80s and was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and most recently recognized by CPS Energy H.O.P.E. Award.
The Champion Family Legacy
Teresa is joined by her daughters Rosalinda “Chayito” Champion (singer) and Elsa “La Chispa” Champion (dancer), along with grand-daughter, Annette Champion Flores, in continuing their family rooted legacy in San Antonio, TX. Annette holds an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University and is a Professor at San Antonio College. She is the Artistic Director of Award– Winning Viva Dance Troupe and currently teaches at the Teresa Champion Dance Academy.
Elsa “La Chispa” Champion has over 40 years of teaching dance to her community and has been performing since the age of 2. She currently instructs and manages Elsa Champion Dance Academy, offering a vibrant array of dance classes, diverse in genre and skill level. Genres consist of Mexican Folklorico, Traditional Spanish and Contemporary and her dance instruction includes shows and recitals, which allow her students to participate in community events as well as exercise professional dance etiquette.
Rosalinda “Chayito” Champion was inducted into The San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024 for her contribution to the arts in San Antonio, TX, and has sung in concerts with artists Jose Greco, Antonio Vargas, Teo Morca and Pilar Riojas. She has also studied Mexican Folklorico under Juan Casado and Juan Mancin in Mexico. Chayito is a Phoenix World Arts Collective portfolio artist and has worked very closely with founder Carlos L Montufar for many years and will performing in the upcoming presentation of Tablao La Pinta Flamenca, held at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center in Downtown Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, December 14th, 7-9PM. Event information here.
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FOX•SA/Puro San Antonio: Dancing through Barriers: How Teresa Champion’s Flamenco Legacy continues to inspire in San Antonio by Camilla Rambaldi & SBG San Antonio Staff
