Biography

Karina Cervantes started her dance journey at the age of 6 in San José, California. She began her training with Arte Flamenco de San José under the direction of Diane Alejandre. At Arte Flamenco, Karina also had the opportunity to train with acclaimed performer and choreographer Carola Zertuche, artistic director for Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco. Performing was a constant and included concerts at the Louis B. Mayer Theater in Santa Clara, California from 2008 to 2013.

Pursuing her passion, Karina received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance during the Spring of 2016 from San José State University. During her years at SJSU, she had the fortune of training under Fred Mathews, Gary Masters, Heather Cooper, Dominque Lomuljo, Jill Yager and Britt Juleen. Her training at SJSU consisted of Limón technique, jazz, ballet, modern and choreographic composition. Upon graduating, Karina began to create dance for film and is undertaking the curation of a show that will be a night of her choreographic collection. Aside from her dance training, Karina plays music and is currently performing with Corazón Salvajé as a percussionist.

Artist Statement

Rhythm, pulse, and patterns revolve around everything I choreograph. Rhythm cannot be escaped. In all that we do, a rhythm exists: when we eat, sleep, breathe and blink. There is a rhythm and pattern to the setting and rising of the sun and when the moon appears and disappears. What sparks my interest is the dancers’ ability to connect everyday rhythm with a rhythmic pattern or phrase in synchronization. I believe in the human and dancer being the same entity. A performance is not a mask to conceal oneself but to share an experience. In having the dancer remain human results in the dance being relatable to all audiences and not just dance lovers.

Rhythm and movement are universal as dance should be.