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Jose Cruz — Latin Dance & Music


Jose Cruz demonstrates dance steps

Jose Cruz introduces rhythms
  • Jose Cruz is a Latin dance choreographer and musician and the founder of Salseros Dance Company, a salsa performance group, in Eugene, where he currently teaches and directs the dance group. He was born in El Salvador, and he is bilingual in English and Spanish. He began by teaching Casino Rueda (Cuban style salsa) then LA style On1 (a flashy style of dance using Afro-Cuban movements), and now he teaches On1 and Mambo NY style salsa On2 (danced on the second beat of the music also using Afro-Cuban movements). He currently teaches Salsa, Merengue, cha cha, bachata and cumbia. This is his 4th year in the Artist Residency program.
  • Jose's teaching is based on strong techniques and foundations and makes the learning process enjoyable with his great sense of humor. His goal is to share his passion for Latin music and dance and to expose young students to the Latin culture. Students become involved in the movement as they learn steps and interpret rhythms, and through this, they build a strong self-esteem, learn individuality and how to treat others with respect. Jose says, "They will not only learn how to dance, but will learn how to socialize, communicate with others and become a confident adult. No matter where they are from, even if they don't speak the same language, they make friends all around the world when they dance Salsa."
  • "Jose is an excellent teacher, and the final performance was a big hit with students successfully danced with partners following the steps." Andrea Fox, 5th Grade Teacher, Holt.
  • "Jose was awesome to work with. I highly recommend him. This residency totally linked with our Spanish program and our end of year Fiesta activity. It helped get our kids ready." Scott Marsh, Principal, Parker
  • "Jose really wanted the kids to master steps before they moved on. Jose was very conscientious. He worked well with our PE teacher. Together they provided a solid program for the students. Jose performed a Salsa dance at an assembly, he helped support the students to perform at a different assembly, and he taught a Salsa lesson to participants at our Chavez Festival on a Saturday." Denisa Taylor, Principal, Chavez Elementary and Family School
  • "Partner dancing was a healthy community building activity." Heather Kehe, Teacher, Arts and Technology Academy.
  • "Jose is patient with the students, willing to go over things many times if needed, and he progresses with them in a logical way. He knows when to keep their interest by adding in a new more complicated move, and when to slow things down and return to the basics when needed. Jose's years of experience shows in his fluidity with both his dancing and interacting with the students." Karla Alvarado, Teacher, Springfield Public Schools