DANCE GROUP
Meet The Producer
“Dance was and is my first love.” Cris’s involvement in dance began in 1973 with the Philippine Barangay Society of Nigeria (PBSN), where her father taught both the choir and rondalla. After eleven years of performing bi-annually in front of dignitaries, ambassadors, and at various events—both on stage and TV—she moved to the Philippines. There, she earned a degree in B.S. Architecture from the University of the Philippines in 1989.
In 1989, Cris rekindled her love for dance in the United States by taking various dance classes in Los Angeles and performing at public and private venues in Fresno. She also explored her talents in theater by joining a local theater group. In 2005, she formed “Keep Danzing!”, a private, portable social dance group composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love for the performing arts. By day, they work in various professions, and in their spare time, they become dancers, musicians, and thespians. Most members reside in Fresno.
Cris’s interest in watching, participating in, and learning about various dance styles inspired her to create this unique event. There has never been anything like it in the Central Valley. Her hope is that this event will continue annually, inspiring people of all ages, cultures, races, and socio-economic backgrounds to dance.
Dance is a language that transcends all barriers. Through dance, one can communicate, learn about distant places, cultures, religions, environments, music, history, and stories, while making new friends.
“My dream is to unite people while celebrating diversity through dance.” Enjoy the evening, and may you have a fun and enriching experience with us tonight.
For the love of dance,
Cris
DR ASIA
Jess Dance
DANCE ENPOWERMENT
SOLO BELLYDANCE
INTERMISSION
LATON ARTS
KOLEI KUMA POLYNESIAN
Roman and Linda
GENISE
GROUP BELLYDANCE
TEOCALLI
Dr. Asia Smith, a Fresno native, blends traditional and modern creativity to inspire fresh artistic expression and personal growth. With multiple degrees including a PhD in Biblical Counseling, she empowers others through innovative thinking and practical strategies. Her passions include music, reading, and living life to the fullest.
Born and raised in Venezuela in a family of musicians, I’ve carried a lifelong passion for dance across borders since moving to the U.S. in 1994. Trained in ballet, Latin, ballroom, and more, I’ve spent the past seven years teaching social dance. Now based in Fresno, CA, I find daily inspiration in helping my students grow with joy and confidence.
DANCE Empowerment is a non-profit using Hip-Hop and character-building to educate youth and combat crime. We promote a drug-free lifestyle, staying in school, and avoiding gangs and violence. Kids inspire others through performances and events. “Be Like Me, Be D.E.!”
Frances is a Fusion performer, choreographer, and belly dance instructor from Fresno, California. She is a dancer and co-director of the Obsidian Project and Blacksands Bellydance, whose background ranges from Raqs Sharqi to FatChanceStyle to Fire Artistry and Circus. She draws upon these diverse performance styles to produce dynamic stage pieces pacted in high technique, emotion, and imagination. Performances showcase traditional Belly Dance music and movement as reimagined through a Fusion eye.
Through our program we are able to bring a positive message to our students and to the community through our public performances. It is our hope that the opportunities and training that are offered will open doors of creativity and fun for all. We hope that experiences gained will have a positive influence in the life of each student and that they will in turn influence others in a positive way
Laton Arts is a community-driven initiative in Central CA dedicated to fostering creativity through dance, theater, and the arts in rural areas. As the leader, I’ve built a welcoming space for all ages to explore their talents, gain confidence, and collaborate. Our mission is to empower communities by making the arts accessible, mentoring young performers, and celebrating cultural diversity.
The Polynesian Club of Fresno began in 1972 when Kolei Fiefononga Kuma, originally from Leimatua, Vava’u, Tonga, gathered friends and family to perform at his son’s first birthday luau. What started as a small celebration became a community for Polynesians to connect through music and dance. Today, the club welcomes hundreds of dancers and drummers weekly, keeping Polynesian traditions alive in Fresno.
Genise McCormick is a singer songwriter and Owner of Heavy Levels Sound Design, a recording studio in the heart of Clovis. A sojourner and traveler, she comes baring her soul and reflections with songs from her ten year journey.
Black Sands Belly Dance is a Fusion Belly Dance troupe out of Fresno California. Under the direction of local performers, choreographers, and instructors Sylvana & Frances, the dancers of Black Sands are proud to showcase their knowledge of traditional Belly Dance music and technique as reimagined through a Fusion eye
Teocalli was started in January of 1995 when a group of former Anáhuac de F.C.C dancers followed the invitation of their former instructor, Julio Bustos, to continue their folklórico studies in a more professional venue. Since its beginning, Teocalli has been dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Mexico’s culture through its music and dance.
