About Ivan Flores - Founder

Ivan is a freelance dancer and choreographer of Hispanic descent. He began his formal dance training at the College of Lake County before transferring to Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. His early artistic exploration began in childhood through school festivals and performances in Mexico City. At the age of 13, Ivan relocated to Illinois, where he discovered a passion for self-taught choreography, creating dances for high school events and Quinceañeras.

After taking his first formal dance technique classes at the College of Lake County, Ivan committed to pursuing dance as a full-time career. In 2013, he founded LatinoXpressions (LTX) Dance, the first Latin dance studio in the Round Lake area. LTX focuses on Latin-inspired dance lessons and choreography for Quinceañeras, weddings, and community events. Ivan continues to share his passion for dance through teaching Latin dance classes and workshops, as well as choreographing for a variety of events and concert performances.

His notable works and recognitions include Raíces (Roots), choreographed for the 2021 College of Lake County Winter Dance Concert as a tribute to his parents, and the 2025 Jere Tulk Choreography Scholarship awarded by Northern Illinois University. Ivan extends his gratitude to his family, friends, dance mentors, and students for their continued support of his artistic vision and craft.

I believe that freedom of self-expression is imperative in the human experience. This expression, when aligned with non-maleficence, love, fun and compassion creates not only self-empathy for but empathy for others. I firmly believe that the art of movement (dance) moves, energizes and unites souls in ways that words simply cannot. The impact of dance does not only empower the individual but the collective as well by bringing the corporal language as means of artistic communication and expressions that society has underestimated at times. I’ve come to realize that sharing our truth, through the art of dance as tool, is not only self-healing but also contributing and inspiring to others around.

As a proud Latino male dancer, my goal as choreographer is to share my cultural background, life experiences and life philosophy through the art of movement. My aim is to start a conversation and connection that promotes unity, empathy, love and a sense of belonging. My goal as dance instructor is to teach others in a fun and dynamic atmosphere that emphasizes kindness and respect towards one another. To acknowledge the duality of the stated above is to recognize the reality we live in. So, the attempt to break barriers of human judgement and antipathy, that may be deeply embedded in society and limits human potential, is crucial when promoting my art. To do so with kindness, compassion and understanding that we all have different abilities is key; especially for those new and entering the wonderful world of dance. With a kind, friendly and fun approach anything is possible!