Dear Azembora Family,
We are writing to share some significant news about the evolution of our beloved dance school, Azembora.
At the end of June, after a wonderful journey spanning more than five years, we concluded our lease at Sörnaisten Rantatie 33C. Fortunately, we successfully transitioned the contract to Helsinki Dance Central. Since August, we have been conducting our classes there, renting the space as required. In addition, we have entrusted our Azembora assets to Freddy and Andressa, who will continue to nurture the studios with the same passion.
This change marked the beginning of a gradual transition, preparing to bid farewell to Azembora as it currently exists. We are planning a heartfelt send-off, with November and December being our last operational months. Please save the date for a memorable final event on December 16th, details of which will follow soon.
Looking ahead to next year, Tatjana will embrace new beginnings, teaching under her own brand S-Dance, offering weekly classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Carlos and Anna will continue to share the joy of Kizomba and Semba every Wednesday under the new name of Helsinki Kizomba Studio. As for Azembora's legacy, we are in the process of consolidating its ownership, and we promise to keep you updated on future plans as they unfold.
Reflecting on our journey, we feel immense pride. We established Azembora to create a haven for Kizomba in Helsinki, and that dream was beautifully realized. Together, we evolved—both on the dance floor and in our hearts. Our love for dance is eternal, and we assure you, we will keep dancing, no matter where life takes us.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that Azembora faced challenges we couldn't overcome. Despite our affordable classes, the volume needed to sustain operations eluded us, with most earnings directed towards rent. The COVID-19 years tested us profoundly, impacting our community and essentially resetting our progress. The burden of managing a school—juggling monthly costs and the constant pressure of filling classes—has been substantial. The countless unpaid hours, especially for those juggling full-time jobs, have indeed been taxing.
Yet, we are optimistic about what the future holds. By transitioning into independent entities, managing our schedules, and focusing on profitability, we hope to find fulfillment and success that the larger framework couldn't provide. Time will reveal the wisdom of these choices.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each student—past, present, and future—for the priceless moments shared on this journey. Your presence filled our school with soul, and for that, we will always be grateful.
Stay tuned, and let's see what the future holds. For now, let's cherish the memories and look forward to creating a few more in the time we have left together.
With immense gratitude,
Team Azembora