Meet Ana | Latin Ballet | RVA Dance Award Nominee
Meet ana \ latin ballet company \ be inspired
rva dance awards nominee
To do this I need to start with my background that is the reason for what I do in life:
I am from Colombia, South America. My grandmother was a poet, my mother a dancer and my father was a doctor who treated everyone regardless of their ability to pay. I LEARNED FROM THEM the importance of HELPING OTHERS while promoting ARTS AND CULTURE.
When I came to Richmond 24 years ago to marry my husband, William King, I knew very little English but it was easy for me to adapt to a new culture. It was very hard for my daughter who was 12 years old. She was placed in an ESL class and was very unhappy until she was asked to write an essay about her culture. She made a video of herself dancing SALSA. With her presentation not only did her pride return, but her confidence, security and motivation – all major keys for a happy, successful life.
This inspired me to start our educational program, “Be Proud of Yourself.” to help children and their families feel welcome in their new community and to always be proud of where they came from. With the educational programming the need of producing dance theatre works with the purpose of enriching and connecting communities through Hispanic cultural dance experiences with a commitment to education, diversity and accessibility was imperative. Every choreography and production is dedicated to teach the tails, history, traditions and literature of our culture.
I strongly believe that the arts in education can save lives. Through the Latin Ballet we are also serving the minority, youth who have been abused or neglected, and children with special and financial needs.
I learned from my mother the importance of making everyone feel proud and important and to live everyday as if it was my last one. I am so blessed that by sharing my culture and Love for dance, I can help others believe in themselves and be proud of who they are. Love, Passion and Pride is what make our world a better place to live!
I feel honored and proud of being part of the nomination for choreography category. Dance and choreography with the main purpose of promoting arts and culture have been the main part of my life.
Dance is my life. Love and Passion are the real power among all powers.
