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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, founded in 2004, is the first
adult salsa troupe in Sonoma County.
Sangre Latina has performed at various
venues including the Caesar Chavez Health
Fair, fund-raisers
for CASA organization, WISE (Women's
Initiative for Self Employment), Roseland
Children's Health Clinic, The Community Child
Care Council of Sonoma County, as well as
many others. This is a great inspiration and
motivation for many of our dancers. JAS
DANCE Productions is dedicated to
participating in community events that
benefit and fund valuable programs in Sonoma
County and the Bay Area. We have travel and
performed in many out of state venues such
as, Puerto Rico, NY City, Dallas, Chicago,
Miami and many more.
Find out more....
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