Meet the Staff
Behind every class and performance is a dedicated team working to support our dancers, families, and community. Our staff helps bring Calidanza’s mission to life—coordinating programs, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for cultural connection, growth, and artistic excellence.
Steven Valencia
Founder
Executive/Artistic Director
Founded Calidanza in 2013 and is an award-winning director and passionate artistic leader with more than two decades of experience in folklórico and theatrical dance. Has created, commissioned, and produced professional choreographies since 2005 while leading with a dynamic, community-centered vision. A dedicated arts advocate, also works as a grant writer and administrator supporting cultural programs. Through bold productions, education, and mentorship, continues inspiring dancers, strengthening cultural pride, and expanding access to folklórico across Sacramento-area communities.
Rosario Rosas
After School Coordinator
Academy Instructor
Discovered a love for Mexican folklórico in first grade and has been dancing ever since, performing with groups including IMBA, Raíces de Mi Tierra, Los Alteños, Nube de Oro, and Calidanza at venues across California. A passionate educator, has taught youth since 2009 and continues mentoring the next generation through school and community programs. Completed formal arts training in Mexico and now serves as Calidanza’s Educational Outreach Coordinator, overseeing instructors and programs across multiple Sacramento-area school districts.
Megan Benitez
Academy Director
Company Assistant Director
Dance Instructor
Has been dancing with folklórico groups and companies since 2003 and began teaching in 2018 across Sacramento and Southern California. Fulfilled a lifelong dream performing in the Disneyland parade celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary and Viva Navidad. Has trained with Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández and México de Colores. Now serves as Assistant Director of Calidanza’s Performing Company and leads the next generation of artists as Director of Calidanza’s Academy, guiding young dancers in technique, discipline, and cultural pride.
Our Instructors
Meet the passionate educators and culture-bearers who bring folklórico to life through movement, music, and mentorship. Our instructors are dedicated to preserving tradition, inspiring confidence, and creating a welcoming space where every dancer can connect with their heritage, grow their skills, and find community.
Fatima
Gutierrez-Ramirez
Has danced folklórico for more than a decade with groups across the Bay Area and began teaching in 2021. Passionate about sharing culture through movement, especially dances from Sinaloa for their vibrant energy and music. Currently studies at UC Davis with the goal of becoming a teacher and inspiring future generations.
Larisa
Rosales
Is a Folklórico dancer and Calidanza alumna who began dancing eight years ago with Nuevo Amanecer and later performed with other community groups. Teaching with Calidanza since 2023, she enjoys mentoring young dancers and sharing the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Sinaloa, her favorite region to teach.
Alejandro
Murguia
Is a Calidanza alumnus who trained in the afterschool program for two years and later served as co-president of his high school folklórico club. Now dances with the Calidanza Performing Company and enjoys teaching Jalisco, sharing its traditions while inspiring younger dancers through leadership, culture, and performance.
Melanie
Ramirez
A Folklórico dancer who trained at West Campus High School, where she discovered a passion for Jalisco. Served as Vice President of the school club and taught elementary students. Brings joyful energy to every rehearsal and performance, sharing culture while inspiring younger dancers through movement.
Aurora
Hernandez
She is a Folklórico dancer with 20 years of experience and a deep passion for teaching Jalisco and Veracruz. Has spent the past decade sharing culture with young dancers, using movement and music to build confidence, connection, and pride. Folklórico remains a meaningful part of her life and family’s cultural identity.
Sherlyne
Gomez Laredo
Folklórico dancer of six years with a love for Sinaloa and Jalisco. Served as President of West Campus High School’s folklórico club and spent two years teaching peers. Values dance as a way to stay connected to her roots, build friendships, and continue growing while working with Calidanza.
Belen
Thompson
Folklórico dancer who has performed in Sacramento for four years and has supported youth programs in her community since 2023. Excited to begin her teaching journey with Calidanza, she enjoys sharing culture through dance, especially the vibrant traditions, energy, and storytelling found in the region of Jalisco.
Marjorie
Santana-Gonzalez
Marjorie Santana-Gonzalez has been dancing folklórico for about seven years, beginning in elementary school and continuing her training with Nostalgias de México and Nube de Oro. She especially loves performing dances from Nayarit Costa and Sinaloa.
While she hasn’t formally taught yet, Marjorie is eager to grow alongside new dancers and continue sharing her passion for folklórico within the community.
Eztli
Benitez
Eztli has been dancing for over eight years and discovered his passion through the encouragement of family and community. Loves the energy of movement, exercise, and connecting with audiences. Inspired by his older sister, a professional dancer, he continues growing and sharing his love for dance with others.
Karen
Angel
Karen Angel brings over 15 years of folklórico experience, performing dances from regions such as Jalisco and Veracruz. She has also spent the past four years teaching and sharing her knowledge with younger dancers.
Karen is passionate about keeping cultural traditions alive through movement and helping students build confidence, discipline, and pride in their heritage.
Valeria
Romero Martinez
Valeria Romero Martinez has been dancing folklórico for 13 years, training with IMBA, Rincones de mi Tierra, and now Calidanza. She hopes to one day teach Veracruz and support the next generation of dancers.
Known for her patience and love of learning, Valeria enjoys helping younger dancers grow and believes folklórico is a powerful way to connect with culture and community.
Calidanza instructors FY
Samantha
Pacheco
Samantha Pacheco has danced folklórico for about 11 years with Nube de Oro, specializing in Jalisco and Sinaloa performances.
In addition to dancing, Samantha works as a quinceañera choreographer, helping families celebrate important cultural milestones through movement and tradition.
Monica
Rodriguez
With over five years of experience, Monica has been performing with Grupo Folklórico de Woodland and attending conferences like DUF and Festival Sin Fronteras. Brings a strong background in multiple dance styles and a decade of teaching. Excited to begin her folklórico teaching journey with Calidanza.
Apply Today
Do you have experience in Folklorico? Join our team today by contacting Calidanza:
916-599-3441