Meet Ana | Lifetime Achievement Award / Best Latin Dance Studio | 2020

Meet Ana

Lifetime Achievement Award / Best Latin Dance Studio

RVA Dance Awards


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 25 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.

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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. 

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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!

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I feel honored of being part of this nomination for Life Time Achievement and Best Latin Dance Studio. Promoting dance and culture have been the main purpose of my life. Dance is my life. Love and Passion are the real power among all powers.

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We are so excited to introduce our featured dancers for the upcoming 2nd annual RVA Dance Awards. The 2020 RVA Dance Awards is a live show that celebrates creativity, leadership and innovation by recognizing excellence within our Central Virginia dance community. This event will be held December 2nd virtually.