JAS Profile Page
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| JAS | |
| Santamaria | |
| www.jasdance.com | |
| Santa Rosa | |
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| dance Instructor |
| Since early childhood, Latin dance and music have played a vital role in José's life. Today he is a dance instructor, performer, choreographer, judge, and salsa promoter who participates in prestigious events like The Latin Grammy's, the upcoming TV show, Muy Caliente, and Salsa Congresses throughout the world.
José spent his childhood in El Salvador, where music, dance, family and friends helped him to survive the violent civil war. Arriving in the United States at age 12, José began a journey that required him to step into a number of different roles including: illegal immigrant, resident, citizen, soldier, salsa dancer, and instructor. A history of diverse experiences helped José to develop a unique understanding of community, the cultural challenges that people face, and the senselessness of violence. During his high school years, José founded, Latinos Unidos Menlo Atherton (LUMA) a high school program advocating unity between cultures and races in the student population. The LUMA program is presently awarding scholarships to high school students from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Currently, José is involved with MESA and the Puente Program at Santa Rosa Junior College. Nine years ago José began teaching dance in the Bay area and Sonoma County. In 2002, he founded a teen Salsa Troupe, Salsa Fresca that performed at the New York and Los Angeles Salsa Congresses. Salsa Fresca was voted "Best Dance Troupe in Sonoma County" by The Bohemian, a Sonoma County Newspaper. José started an adult dance company, Sangre Latina, in 2004. The company performed at the New York Salsa Congress and dancers have traveled together to study Salsa in Puerto Rico, New York and Los Angeles. Sangre Latina is an active member of the community, performing at local events that benefit social programs in Sonoma County and the Bay Area. The Caesar Chavez Health Fair, CASA organization, WISE (Women's Initiative for Self Employment), Roseland Children's Health Clinic, The Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County, and Kaiser have all partnered with Sangre Latina to create stronger ties in the community. By mentoring teens and adults and working in schools José aspires to create community unity and reduce inner-city violence, through the art of dance. DANCE TRAINING Hip Hop with Debrah Stevens & Peppervon – 14 years Merengue – various teachers --12 years Salsa & Mambo with Eddie Torres, Seaon Stylist (Bristol), Alex DeSilva - 9 years Rumba, Cha-cha-cha, Samba at Arthur Murray Studio, Burlingame, CA 6 years Bachata - 3 years Tango – 4 years Jazz - 1 year Dance choreography and music for dance SRJC 1 year |
Additional Info
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