Life & Work with Katia Diamond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katia Diamond.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
My name is Katia Diamond. I am 37 years old and originally from Sucre, Bolivia. I currently live in San Diego with my husband Barry and my dog Jake. 

I started dancing when I was 5 years old! My mom used to put me in lots of dance classes because she knew how much I loved music. I started to dance and move to the beat of music before I could even walk, 

In my 20s, I decided to follow my dreams and began studying and training in Argentine tango. I loved it so much that soon after, I started traveling to Buenos Aires every time I possibly could to further my Argentine Tango education. At the same time, I was also learning Ballroom Dance and I was competing in competitions throughout the USA. After just a few years of dancing ballroom, I became the 2015 American Rhythm Amateur Rising Star National & World Champion. 

As much as I love all the dance styles I have trained and studied throughout my life, Argentine Tango has always been my favorite. Today, I can proudly say that I am an Argentine Tango Instructor, Performer & Adjudicator. In addition, I am the founder of Milonga Magnifica (an Argentine Tango dance party) that I host the 3rd Saturday of every month in San Diego. I am also producing an Argentine Tango stage show called “Tango Burlesque” that is scheduled to debut soon. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenges and struggling are just a part of learning and succeeding. I have had my fair share as I’m sure most people have, but overall, I have always been determined to succeed and do my best to learn from difficult times and grow stronger from them. I try not to dwell on struggles and choose to live in the present and plan for the future. I think this very basic concept has been invaluable in helping me overcome any issues and keep me focused on continually improving and staying positive when things are going great, as well as when difficult situations arise. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have so many things I am grateful for and proud of. But I would say the thing I am the most proud of is my recent success in competing in the 2024 US National Tango Championships in San Jose, CA. I entered with one of my friends and colleagues, Andrea Moncayo. We decided literally last minute, just 2 weeks before the competition, to enter and didn’t have much time to prepare. But we were very motivated to do well and spent a few days practicing together so we would hopefully be ready in time. We did very well and ultimately made it to the finals, and also made history. We are the 1st female couple to ever make it to the finals in the Argentine Tango US Nationals! 

What matters most to you?
I love to see people happy and enjoying life. That’s why I love to throw extravagant parties and see everyone dancing, laughing, and enjoying time together. I often look back on videos of events I have organized and get to see so many happy faces of my friends and students that it just makes me smile and warms my heart. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katiadiamond.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/katiadiamond
• Facebook: facebook.com/katia.diamond.77
• Youtube: youtube.com/katiadiamond

Image Credits
Alex R. Castro