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Jose A. Santamaria
creater and founder of JASDANCE Productions
Autobiography
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.
Find out more....
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Sangre Latina
Dance Company
Sangre Latina Dance Company (SLDC) is the touring repertory dance company of JASDANCE ACADEMY. The company of dancers, understudies and students, travels throughout the
USA, CANADA, LATIN AMERICA & the CARIBBEAN performing live and teaching workshops for audiences of all ages.
The company reflects the mission of JASDANCE ACADEMY, the belief that by introducing youths and adults to the beauty of ethnic dances,
the essence of teamwork, self-expression, and a positive attitude, that greater unity can be achieved in any community.
The company’s repertory changes regularly. Jose A. Santamaria, Joanna Mienl and Louralee Staley are a few of the instructors who shape
the dance company. A variety of dance styles are presented by SLDC including MAMBO, CHA-CHA-CHA, BACHATA, MERENGUE, TANGO, RUMBA, JAZZ &
HIP-HOP.
Sangre Latina Dance Company is a wonderful training ground for dancers. Outreach performances have nurtured a strong response from audiences
and have helped to establish a bridge back to the academy in support of the performing arts in Sonoma County. SLDC recognizes the great need
to bring more live dance performances to Sonoma County’s audiences.
Originally the company was created to do local presentations around the County but since its inception SLDC has reached beyond the the county,
state and country in an effort to share the gift of dance with other communities throughout the world.
The company is currently under the direction of Jose A. Santamaria of JASDANCE ACADEMY and co-directed by Joanna Meinl and Louralee Staley.The
company was formed in 2004, with the help of Berkelee Lowery-Evans TA, who organized and directed the teams logistics and those of the teen
troupe, Salsa Fresca
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