Check Out Laura Armenta’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Armenta.

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?
The Armentality brand, rooted in the vision of Laura Armenta, has evolved significantly over the past 25 years, transitioning from Armentality Studio to the vibrant Armentality Movement Arts Center. As a cultural cornerstone in West Michigan, the center embodies a dedication to the performing and healing arts, embracing cultural diversity and fostering connections across generations. It serves as a dynamic platform offering an array of classes, workshops, and seminars, while also welcoming guest teachers and hosting special events and performances. Through its commitment to the arts, the Armentality Movement Arts Center and the Armentality Group continues to enrich the community, inspiring creativity and collaboration in all who pass through its doors.

The Timeline
1998
Mexican-born choreographer and performing artist Laura Armenta creates Armenta Productions. Operating at a small scale out of a couple of spots in Downtown Ada, MI. The initial classes offered were Vinyasa Yoga, Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
2000
New Space, New Adventures! Growing confidence as an artistic entrepreneur, Laura moves her services into a larger space in Grand Rapids Township. West Asian Dance and Guided Meditation get added to the classes and workshops menu.
2002
Laura receives an artistic residency to teach at Grandville Avenue Academy for the Arts (now Cook Center). At this point Armenta Productions operates out of both locations – Grand Rapids Township and Grandville Avenue Academy for the Arts in Downtown Grand Rapids. Laura acquires her first Thai-Yoga Therapy Practitioner certification and begins to offer those services.
2003
On the Move! Armenta Productions goes from Grand Rapids Township to the Alger Heights neighborhood. Strength and Mobility Training is added to the service menu.
2004
Time for the big leap! Armenta Productions, LLC becomes The Armenta Studio, LLC and moves to a beautiful new location on Wealthy St. in Eastown Grand Rapids. From this moment forward all services are in one location. “We have a home”. Becoming also the permanent home of Laura Armenta Dance Company.
2006
In addition to the classes and workshops offered, The Armenta Studio begins to host dance, theater, film, music and poetry events. Laura creates “Bijoux” Student Dance Ensemble

2008
Ten Year Anniversary. Yay! Still at the Wealthy St location, Bridal Dance Connection is Born: Wedding Dance Choreography, Bachelorette Dance Parties, Bridal Bootcamp.
2011
Spring time is Time for Renewal and Transformation. The rebranding and search for a new location process begins. The Armentality Brand is born.
2012
Transition is done! New Home and New Name! The Armenta Studio becomes Armentality Movement Arts Center. Our New home is inside the Historical Masonic Center Downtown Grand Rapids.
2012-2014
A long Remodeling journey ended with a magnificent natural wood flooring, open ceilings, larger space and lobby, plus soothing colors and a New Identity. Forever Grateful to all the Friends and students that helped in this transformation!
2015
Settled into our new gorgeous location, Armentality Movement Arts Center begins to host workshops with local, national and international guest teachers. Space gets set up to be a venue for intimate performances.
2016
Making space for new perspectives! Now established as a relevant arts organization in West Michigan, Armentality Movement Arts Center expands its artistic vision and begins to support other creatives by offering space for explorations and further development.
2018
Twenty Year Anniversary. Yay! We celebrate with performances and open house events. As always grateful to all the artist friends that made the celebration unique and unforgettable.
2020
Global Pandemic ignites the start up of vast and successful Online Programs. Somewhat unexpectedly, Laura and Armentality Movement Arts Center services begin to thrive internationally. Ongoing classes move to the rooftop until early Fall.
2023
Twenty Five Years of Armentality Movement Arts Center!
This anniversary is the celebration of an immigrant woman with passion, a Mexican artist with courage, and although she started with no network of support – she has a great vision and discipline, unique focus and resilience, fierce determination and devotion to Movement Arts.
2024
Armentality Group
For twenty-five years, the Armentality brand has been recognized for offering distinctive and outstanding experiences. From the esteemed Armentality Movement Arts Center and Laura Armenta Dance Company to an entertaining podcast and gourmet escapades, the entire enterprise revolves around meeting our customers’ requirements. The Armentality Group has been established.

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?
It has been many things but smooth. I am a woman, an independent performing and holistic artist, an immigrant and I started my business with no network of support, plus self-funded. Again, being an artist – initially I had no knowledge on the administrative part of running a business, it has taken 27 to understand many dynamics, from budgets, taxes, networking, marketing etc. Construction that blocked access to my business, COVID, etc. Challenges never end, and yet, I am devoted to success, and I have!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What we do: Armentality Group is formed by four business in the field of performing arts, wellness, holistic arts and somatic movement. 1- Armentality Movement Arts Center (dance, yoga and functional fitness classes, workshops and retreats). 2- Bridal Dance Connections (boutique bridal services: wedding dance choreography, Bachelorette Dance parties and Glow-Up bridal training). 3- Armentality Wellness (Thai-Yoga Therapy, Yoga, meditation, Yoga Therapy, and EFT programs for individual and corporation as well as retreats). 4- Armentality Online (virtual live and video library sessions for dance, yoga, fitness, nutrition etc).

We specialize in professional movement and holistic arts training for dancer, yogis, and movement enthusiasts. Respect the origins of ancient holistic practices. Empower our clients/students with compassion, care, and honesty.

I am / We are known for offering unique Dance forms such as West African, West Asian, South American and Afro-caribbean. As well as functional training that integrates holistic and martial arts beyond the conventional fitness.

We are proud of our authenticity, professionalism, and excellence we add to everything we offer. As well as our longevity.

What sets us apart? very much all of the above!

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My website is www.lauraarmenta.com
All details can be found there.
We offer professional collaboration and we are happy to welcome new students, clients that want to be in motion, live healthy and empowered.
We are at 233 E. Fulton St. Ste. 620 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauraarmenta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mslauraarmenta/ | https://www.instagram.com/armentalityartscenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraArmentaOfficial | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565435253629
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraarmenta/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Armentality | https://www.youtube.com/@lauraarmenta690
• Other: https://www.armentality.com