Theresa Velazquez (BIO)
Credits include performing in showcase, appearing in magazines, and newspaper articles, dance competitions, singing on television, choir concerts, film, television, produced dance shows, stage performances, modeling, beauty, and talent pageants. Awarded many first places at the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) DanceSport championship in amateur and professional categories such as, International Grand Ball (1990 to present), San Francisco Open (1990 to 2008), Autumn Classic (1990 to present), Holiday Ball, City Lights, and others.
As a child, Theresa started performing in the annual Christmas and Easter plays in New York. She directed the Annual Fashion and Talent Show at Dodge High School in New York to raise money for charities, and awarded the New York Realtors Award. She attended the Academy of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California and trained with actors, such as Tippy Hendrick from "The Birds, " Greg Mullavey from "Mary Hartman," and many other actors. She is director and producer of Velazquez Productions (Film, music, and dance video projects). Vocal training includes Robert Gansert, Carnegie Hall, New York; Hal Sundquist, Director of Sunnyvale Singers, California; German Aquilar, Director, Delta College Choir/Jazz Vocal Group; and Dr. Magen Solomon, former Director, Stockton Chorale.
Holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, and author of a book "Health Issues and the Benefits of DanceSport," for her Doctorates in Management (DM). She also majored in Radio and Television at Delta College with Professor Story, Professor Deverell, Professor Villagomez, Professor Brogger (KCRA-TV3 Anchor).
Her coaches include Rick Page, camera person for Brooklyn Nine Nine, Golden Globe Winners; Marsha Posner, Emmy Winner, produced Brady Bunch, and Golden Girls; and Ellen Baxter of Mary Hartman. Projects include Sacramento Int'l. 48 Hour Film Festival, San Francisco 48 Hour Film Festival, College Emmy Awards, online video contests, and others.
With 30 years in the dance industry she enjoys teaching, and has taught thousands of students around the United States and Canada. Her students and DanceSport Team participate in medal balls, showcases, and have won many 1st places at the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) Championships, such as, International Grand Ball, San Francisco Open, Autumn Classic, Holiday Ball, City Lights, and others. She is presently an independent dance instructor from 1998 to present. Instructed and performed at various community centers, libraries, museums, and for nonprofits.
Trained and worked with the best in the dance industry, such as Bill and Floy Ranells, franchise owners of Fred Astaire’s Dance Schools; Mr. & Mrs. O’Sullivan franchise owners of Arthur Murray’s Dance Schools; Lillian Innocenzi-Powers and Michael Powers franchise owners of Arthur Murray’s; Mark Scolieri, Director of Cheryl Burke Dance Studio, and others. She is a dance champion, coach, performer, and mentor. Her dance styles include American Smooth, such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quick Step, and Viennese Waltz. American Rhythm to include Bolero, Cha Cha, Mambo, Eastern Swing, Rumba, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble, Salsa, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Country Western. Other forms of dance training include Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Theatre Art. She enjoys attending DanceSport competitions organized by the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), World Dance Council (WDC), International DanceSport Festival (IDF), and Salsa Congress.
Theresa is a former USA Dance Inc Chapter 4044 Coordinator and President. USA Dance Inc is a non profit organization with more than 150 Chapters in the United States who focuses on helping youths, adults, seniors, and disabled persons learn to dance socially, and competitively for the National and World Championships. USA Dance competitive youth dancers are selected to perform and compete on the famous TV show Dancing With The Stars. Become a member of this exciting organization.
She is the former Vice President of Campus Records at Delta College (nonprofit), host/producer/talent at KWDC-LP 93.5 FM at Delta College (nonprofit), and Office Manager & Community Relations volunteer for Stone Soup Community Radio (nonprofit). Stone Soup has stations locally, and around the world. Theresa writes for the Peace & Justice Center "Connections" newspaper (nonprofit), and offers ballroom dance classes for the Peace & Justice Network to benefit Stone Soup Community Radio.
Theresa's students learn a variety of dances and patterns to make them well- rounded dancers. The many benefits of dancing include better health, able to socialize, make new friends, attend any party, great exercise, be more graceful, and many more. To progress and pass the dance levels students may take medal exams given by Terpsichore examiners (www.usterpsichore.org/examinations).
Her students may compete at the San Francisco Salsa Congress, and Cardinal Classic at Stanford University, UC Berkeley DanceSport Championships, San Jose University DanceSport Championships, National Dance Council of America DanceSport Championships, and World DanceSport Championships. If your a hobby dancer take a cruise with Theresa on the DanceFun.com cruises.
With all her education, and years of experience in the performing arts Theresa decided to start, "Celebrity Performing Arts," offering a variety of classes, such as dancing, singing, music, acting, producing, directing, and others to help people in the arts. She believes that classes, proper training, and job opportunities will open the doors to the exciting world of entertainment.
