Meet Antonio Daza | Entrepreneur & Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Daza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in raised in Venezuela – I grew up as the Hugo Chavez regime seized control of our government and quickly became extremely aggressive towards any dissent. I aspired to become a journalist and eventually started working with a local newspaper that was against Chavez – I also protested against the government through other activities. Due to this, I was kidnapped by government enforcers and held hostage for a few days before being released. Not too long afterward, I decided to come to America to build a new life, following my mother and sister. That was in 2003; I had about $100 to my name and didn’t speak any English. I was granted asylum as one of the earliest Venezuelan refugees living in Georgia.

From there, I worked hard and found a passion for ballroom dancing. I competed and won competitions, made lifelong friends, and set up my own successful dance studio that operated in the Atlanta area for many years. I am so proud of my own personal “American Dream” that I build for myself – running that business, building a wonderful life with my husband, and creating a wonderful community with my family.

I say all of that to say that my upbringing and the context of it impacts me greatly every day, and has throughout my life journey. My parents raised me to work hard, be honest, and serve my community as an active citizen. Watching the destruction of freedom and personal liberties under the Chavez regime was extremely distressing to me, along with witnessing a historic increase of inequity in the country due to that. These experiences taught me to deeply value the rights and opportunities that are present in the United States. When those opportunities were placed before me, those experiences had already led me to a place where I knew that I needed to work as hard as I could to take advantage of them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey as an artist and creative reflects my deep-rooted passion for dance and unwavering commitment to excellence. Growing up in Venezuela, I inherited my love for dance from my parents, who were central figures in our celebrations and instilled in me the rich tradition of social dancing. From a young age, my dream of dancing professionally was fueled by the vibrant performances I admired on screen and television.

Training and performing with Danzas Mariara during my college years studying Graphic Design laid the foundation for my professional dance career. Moving to Atlanta in 2003 marked a significant turning point, propelling me into a career as a professional and competitive dancer, where my exceptional skills and personality garnered recognition. In 2008, alongside Liz Chester, I founded Daza Dance, the largest Ballroom Dance School in the Southeast. Offering exquisite facilities and talented instructors, Daza Dance quickly established itself as Atlanta’s premier destination for ballroom dancing.

Daza Dance transcended being merely a dance studio, evolving into a vibrant and inclusive community where individuals from all backgrounds united in their shared love for dance. Over 15 years, we cultivated a diverse family, fostering connections and friendships that defied boundaries. However, by the end of 2022, my team and I made the bittersweet decision to close its doors, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to a new chapter—running for Congress. Though the studio may have closed, its spirit lives on in the memories we’ve created and the enduring bonds forged on the dance floor, embodying art’s resilience, determination, and transformative power.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Friday We’d start with breakfast at Corner Bakery Cafe, which is known for its breakfast dishes, gourmet sandwiches, and homemade soups.
After that, we would head over to Stone Mountain for a hike, soaking in the beautiful scenery and making our way to the top on the Skyride.
Afterward, we will sure need a big meal for lunch, so La Fonda Latina, famous for its delicious Mexican, Caribbean, and Latin food, low prices, and excellent service, sounds like a great choice.

Day 2: Saturday
We’d begin the day exploring the Atlanta History Center, immersing ourselves in the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. For lunch, we’d indulge at the OK Cafe, which is known for its old-fashioned burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes.
If my friend wants to do some afternoon shopping, a short trip to Lenox Square would be appropriate, or maybe “window” shopping at Buckhead Shops.
In the evening, we’d head to Midtown for dinner at South City Kitchen, famous for its Southern cuisine and delicious fried chicken. To end the night, we’d explore the vibrant nightlife scene, hitting up some bars around 10th St and Piedmont Rd. for craft cocktails and a drag show.

Day 3: Sunday
We’d kick off the day with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, Coca-Cola Museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Lunch would be a picnic in Piedmont Park, surrounded by nature and tranquility in the middle of the city. After lunch, we’d explore the bustling Atlanta Belt Line and visit the Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
For dinner, we’d opt for tapas and drinks at Barcelona in the West Side before we catch one of the many touring production shows at Fox Theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my family. I was surrounded by resilient and influential figures, particularly strong women in my family—my mother, aunts, sisters, and cousins. I drew inspiration from their tenacity. My father’s influence as an accountant and a small business owner, as well as my uncle’s political legacy as an activist who fought against dictatorship back in the 1960s, left an indelible mark on my worldview. All of these things fuel my commitment to fighting against oppression and for democratic values, all the while building an American Dream for myself.

Website: https://www.votedaza.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonio_daza_ga11/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-daza-b562b397/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VoteDaza2024/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/votedaza/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR2PfrMIZTJrX854xcDQKyg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@antonio_daza_ga11

Image Credits
Carlos Romero