Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel And Jaami Villalobos And Waali.
Hi Angel and Jaami , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our journey really started from necessity and a shared passion for dance and community. At the time, my wife Jaami Waali and I were running multiple dance companies together, as well as a large school of dance. I happened to be on tour choreographing for nine artists and booking international shows through my own Vegas-style touring agency when Jaami opened *The Dancehouse*.
We were constantly renting rehearsal and performance spaces for our companies, and the costs were becoming overwhelming. That’s when we made the decision to open a space of our own. *The Dancehouse* was born out of that need a creative solution to support our work and the broader dance community. Jaami was the founder, and we opened it together as partners.
After about five years, I decided to close my touring agency to focus more on our growing ventures at home. When we relocated *The Dancehouse* to Point Loma, I also launched *San Diego Pet Mobile Grooming*, starting with a small grooming salon at the front of the studio.
As the grooming business grew, we saw a clear need for pet boarding services among our clients, which led to the launch of *San Diego Pet Boarding*. We opened that simultaneously with *The Dance Studio*, which we built right next door to expand our class and rental offerings.
Surprisingly, the pet boarding business took off quickly and became a reliable revenue stream enough to cover monthly overhead for both the pet and dance businesses. That success gave *The Dance Studio* the time and space it needed to grow its programs and following.
Today, we’re still growing and exploring opportunities for grants and sponsorships to support our marketing, staffing, and tech infrastructure. At the heart of everything we do is the goal of creating space for the arts, for animals, and for the community we love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like so many small business owners, COVID-19 brought unexpected and significant challenges to our operations. At the time, The Dancehouse was our primary studio, and when the pandemic hit, we were forced to shut down all in-person classes, rehearsals, and rentals almost immediately. That sudden loss of income was a major blow, especially since the arts community was among the hardest hit. We had to pivot quickly moving classes online, offering virtual rehearsals, and doing everything we could to keep our dance community engaged and supported from a distance.
San Diego Pet Mobile Grooming also faced challenges, from implementing strict safety protocols to navigating a dip in demand during lockdowns. However, it remained an essential service for many pet owners, and we were able to continue operating with adjustments.
The Dance Studio had not yet opened at that point, but the experience of going through COVID gave us a deeper understanding of the importance of flexibility, community support, and sustainable business models. Those lessons shaped how we approached launching The Dance Studio and San Diego Pet Boarding in the years that followed. The pandemic tested us, but it also pushed us to grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated and we came out of it more resilient and focused than ever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
# Our Collective Story
We work at the crossroads of **art, community, healing, and care**. What began as a practical solution—opening an affordable space for dance rehearsals and performances—has grown into a multi-layered ecosystem that sustains and uplifts.
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## The Dancehouse + Pet Ventures
**The Dancehouse** was founded by **Jaami Waali** in partnership with Angel Villalobos. Together, we envisioned and opened the space as a home for dancers, choreographers, and the broader San Diego arts community. After its early years, Jaami became the **sole owner and creative force** of The Dancehouse, expanding its reach as a hub for training, collaboration, and performance.
As The Dancehouse grew, Angel launched **San Diego Pet Mobile Grooming** at the front of the studio. Later, **Angel and Jaami together opened San Diego Pet Boarding**, which quickly flourished and provided a stable revenue stream. The pet ventures not only served local families but also helped sustain the creative work happening at the studio.
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## House of Psyche
Angel also founded **House of Psyche**, a sacred dance company and wellness collective. It is a space where movement, spirituality, and ritual come together, offering performances, workshops, and holistic practices that affirm the deep connections between body, spirit, and earth.
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## Ancestral Roots Rising (Nonprofit)
Building on this vision, Angel founded **Ancestral Roots Rising**, a nonprofit dedicated to cultural preservation, healing justice, and intergenerational storytelling. Through retreats, workshops, and arts-based programs, Ancestral Roots Rising creates spaces where ancestral wisdom, Indigenous traditions, and community voices can be honored and uplifted.
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## Spotlight: Jaami Waali
**Jaami Waali-Villalobos** is the founder and owner of **The Dancehouse** and has been a driving force in San Diego’s dance and arts scene for more than two decades.
* **Dance Roots & Training**: Originally from Washington State, Jaami began dancing over 27 years ago with jazz and ballet, later embracing hip hop at 14. She went on to organize her high school’s dance team and launched an after-school teen hip hop program through AmeriCorps to help address youth crime.
* **Education**: She earned her **BA in Fine Arts and Dance at San Diego State University** and later her **MA in Dance at Cal State Long Beach**. She is also certified in Pilates and fitness, with additional training across wellness practices.
* **Kruciaal Element**: In 2002, Jaami founded **Kruciaal Element Hip Hop Dance Company**, choreographing and producing shows across San Diego and Los Angeles, including performances for Mardi Gras, Monster Bash, and other large events.
* **Performance & Representation**: She has danced with Fusion Force, Urban FX, Funkanometry, and more, and has been represented by agencies such as Bloc and Dorothy Day Otis.
* **Teaching & Choreography**: With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jaami has taught at Coronado School of the Arts, Southwestern College, and many others. She has choreographed for colleges, civic associations, and vocal artists who have shared stages with Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bow Wow, and more.
* **Media & Recognition**: Her work has been featured on Fox 5, NBC, KUSI, San Diego Living, and community platforms such as the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and Salute to Teachers. She has also served as a judge for dance battles and talent competitions.
* **Art & Social Service**: Beyond dance, Jaami is also a seasoned **visual artist**, creating paintings, murals, and exhibitions that explore human connection, relationships, and nature. She also has more than 10 years of professional experience in **social services**, supporting youth, individuals with disabilities, and seniors.
* **Purpose & Inspiration**: Guided by faith and gratitude, Jaami sees her life purpose as one word: **“Inspire.”** Through God, art, and community, she dedicates her life to sharing love, movement, and creativity with as many people as possible.
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## What Sets Us Apart
* **Integrated Ecosystem**: We combine arts, entrepreneurship, wellness, and cultural preservation into a resilient, interdependent system.
* **Creative Sustainability**: Our pet ventures help sustain our arts and community programming, allowing creativity to thrive without compromise.
* **Holistic Purpose**: We create spaces of healing, expression, and legacy — for people, animals, ancestors, and community.
* **Leadership with Heart**: Jaami’s artistry and community leadership, paired with Angel’s vision for sustainability and innovation, make our work both deeply rooted and forward-looking.
✨ Instagram.com/ThedancestudioSD
✨ Instagram.com/TheDancehouse
✨ Instagram.com/SDMobileGroomig
✨ Instagram.com/SDPetBoarding
✨ Instagram.com/House.of.Psyche
✨ Instagram.com/AncestralRootsRising
✨ Instagram.com/WolfofVillage
✨ Instagram.com/JaamiWaali
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The Most Important Lesson
The most important lesson we’ve learned is that sustainability comes from interconnection.
When we first opened The Dancehouse, our focus was only on creating a space for dancers. But the journey quickly showed us that art alone, while powerful, often struggles to sustain itself in a world driven by practical needs. By listening to our community and being willing to think creatively — launching pet grooming and boarding, opening sacred dance spaces, and building a nonprofit — we discovered that our strength lies in weaving together multiple forms of care.
What has carried us forward is realizing that dance, animals, wellness, and community aren’t separate worlds — they nourish one another. The pet businesses made space for the arts to breathe. The arts created a platform for cultural storytelling. And the nonprofit ensures this work will live beyond us, rooted in ancestors and community.
This lesson continues to shape everything we do:
Lead with passion.
Stay open to creative solutions.
Build systems where different parts of life — art, business, care, and spirit — support one another.
Above all, we’ve learned that creating space is an act of love — and when you hold that space with purpose, community, and faith, it has the power to sustain itself and inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedancestudio.us
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thedancestudiosd
