MARIA GARCIA

(SHE/HER)

COMPANY APPRENTICE & TEACHING ARTIVIST

Maria I Garcia, Chilean-born and Miami-raised, is motivated by the stories of Latine people, culture, and communities. She first joined CONTRA-TIEMPO as a teaching artivist in 2021, when she saw her own values of community, love, culture, and boldness, align. As an artist and teacher, authenticity, confidence, freedom and connection are at the root of her being. Salsa and Bachata are dance forms in which Maria feels most free and liberated. Maria earned her BFA from the University of Florida, where she was a Choreographer in Residence at the HARN museum. She then taught a salsa course at Los Angeles Valley College.

Beyond movement, creating art of all forms connects Maria to a spiritual source. Whether it is fashion, music, or other artistic medium, improving access to art, and sharing the joy of creativity is her purpose.

IG: @beingme_mari