Annette Champion Flores is a San Antonio native, born and raised on the city’s south side where the San Antonio River was her backyard. She is a third-generation Flamenco dancer born into the legendary family of Teresa and Willie “El Curro” Champion. Annette continues her family’s legacy as both the Artistic Director and instructor at Teresa Champion Dance Academy. She is also a dance educator and International Baccalaureate dance instructor at KIPP Texas University Prep High School. Prior to teaching at Uprep High School, she was an adjunct professor at San Antonio College helping strengthen the dance program. Annette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance from Texas State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University.
Annette is no stranger to the San Antonio River Walk. As a child performer with her grandparent’s company, Los Flamencos de San Antonio, she grew up performing at Las Canarias inside the historical La Mansion del Rio. However, her most memorable performances happened alongside her family on the stage of the Arneson River Theater, where she considered her summer home in the 90s. On that stage, she performed for many locals and tourists but considers one of her more moving performances as the Director of Fiesta Flamenca in 2012 when she produced a show in memory of her grandfather El Curro, bringing in artists such as Campanas de America, Urban-15, and Dr. Carmen Taffolla, to celebrate his life. This performance kicked off two more special productions of this caliber in the following two years. These performances raised money for both Teresa Champion Dance Academy and the American Cancer Society. Annette continues to create and produce shows throughout San Antonio with Teresa Champion Dance Academy as a freelance dancer and choreographer. During this pandemic, Annette started a live show on Facebook called “We Are the Champions,” alongside her mother Chayito Champion and grandmother Teresa Champion. The show raised funds to keep the Dance Academy operating and highlighted stories of Teresa and Curro’s dedication to the San Antonio arts.
Annette is a supporter of the LGBTQ community where she is an avid supporter of Diablos Outsports Association and a member of Gay Dart League of San Antonio. She enjoys shooting darts and supporting her friends as they play kickball, dodgeball, softball, and move in a safe space in the community. Every year she supports the Angel Tree for Thrive Youth Center and performs alongside San Antonio’s amazing Drag Queen entertainers in their charity events.
Annette is a mother of two and grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. The love of her city and the River Walk brought her to reside downtown where the River Walk is her front yard. In her spare time, she enjoys running along the river banks takes walks with her son and granddaughters. She also enjoys quality time with her family and friends watching movies, game nights, and simply just hanging out creating new memories.
Annette is a proud candidate for River Walk Royalty. “Our city is rich in culture and diversity, and the San Antonio River Walk sees this on a daily basis. I am honored to continue to Preserve, Promote, and Protect the San Antonio River Walk as a candidate for River Walk Royalty.” #DanielnAnnetteforroyalty #DnAforroyalty #royaltyisinourDnA
