Sakara:
Mission Statement: The mission for Sakara Dance Company is to utilize the art of dance to express personal emotion, opinions and a love for movement by stepping outside of the numeric cadence of dancing salsa. As artistic directors for Sakara Dance Company Lesley Washington and Violeta Anderson will continue to challenge not only our bodies, but our minds, rhythmically in choreography and social dancing. We choose to take a simple eight count of music and physically attempt to use as much organic body opposition as possible.

Vision Statement : Sakara will constantly challenge and develop our troupe to have a technically solid foundation and become overall "students of all dance forms" that extends beyond salsa dancing. Our number one belief for the Sakara Dance Troupe is: "The ever evolving fluidity and transition of movement" where challenge and hard work is the key to success!. Sakara Dance Company will offer dance education to people of all abilities from amateur to professional. If you can feel the emotion, you can express it through this art form. As a result of the Company’s performances, and the artistic vision and direction that serve as its foundation, Sakara strives to both preserve and continually contribute to the body of work in this art form.

Ritmo Bello: What are the origins of your dance troupe?

Sakara: The Origins of our dance troupe come from our African roots, in addition to a ballet, modern and jazz foundation. ‘Sakkara’ is best known for the Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt ‘s 97 pyramids. It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the architect and genius Imhotep, who designed it and its surrounding complex to be as grand as it was unique and revolutionary. The Sakara dance troupe’s main focus is about building your foundation based on the many unique levels/steps of all dance forms, to become grand and revolutionary dancers. We have had extensive experience in various types of dance, with the opportunity to work with one of the top choreographers in the world Seaon "Stylist" Dance Company as part of his core traveling performers.

Ritmo Bello: What sets your group apart from the other local dance troupes?

Sakara: Our group is set apart from the other local dance troupes by a few distinct characteristics. Our commitment to the technical growth and development of our dancer’s first, before teaching them a choreography and putting them on stage. We base our foundation on the principles of dancing on2, New York style salsa, and have danced with the Seaon Stylist Dance Company, choreographed by Seaon Bristol, who was one of the former Eddie Torres dancers. Not only did we learn Seaon’s intricate body movements, styling, traveled around the world teaching his male and female technique, and performed some of the most memorable salsa routines ever, but, we have further evolved and pushed ourselves to do more with our salsa dancing. As choreographers we are well versed in other forms of dance (jazz, ballet, contemporary modern, various African forms, and funk) that we can effortlessly challenge our bodies to do more than ever before. Sakara is also set apart from the other groups by staying neutral in the salsa scene.

We have no allegiance to anyone but to ourselves. Sakara will work, create choreograph for individuals, couples or teams, and collaborate with any and everyone when time, communication and organization are effortless. Most importantly, as Directors we are blessed to have such a beautiful working relationship with each other as it allows us to think cohesively as a unit. Sakara promises to provide everyone with the love and quality of professionalism you deserve on all levels.

Ritmo Bello: If somebody wants to participate how can they contact your group?

Sakara: If anyone wants to have an overall challenge on and off the dance floor they can take a look at our website: www.sakara.us and/ or email us at sakaradancecompany@yahoo.com .If all else fails, please contact either Lesley Washington at 1(562) 824-5443 or Violeta Anderson at 1(310) 351-6751.

Ritmo Bello: Anything else you’d like to share with the San Diego salsa dance community?

Sakara: We are looking forward to creating an environment of dancers that want to continually learn and strive to be their absolute best, with the ability to stay humble and remember that everyone started from the same place. We are looking forward to enhancing the unity of dancers and artists that would like to work with each other and offer students a variety of knowledge in San Diego and its surrounding communities and schools. We would like to pay tribute to our numerous friends around the world that consistently challenge us to be the best at our craft and as "stylist", and even some who like to officially challenge and battle us on the dance floor when we see them. (You know who you are! Leon Rose – LOL) It was asked by Leon Rose (London Choreographer, Director, Performer and Instructor) a few years ago in the La Voz Magazine who were your favorite females to dance with in the world to which he responded (paraphrased) for "styling and body movements" Lesley and Violeta from Los Angeles.

Sakara has started a new San Diego on2 Dance Company and welcomes anyone that would like to join or just come by and check us out. We meet Saturday: 11am-1pm, and Wednesday: 8:45pm-10:15. Location: Absolutely Dancesport Dance Studio, 930 W. Washington, San Diego, CA 92103.

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We love you San Diego, Los Angeles, and all of those distant countries near and far.