Maria Guadalupe Velasco 

Is a Mexican dancer, cultural promoter, and passionate advocate for the arts. Originally from Mexico, Maria—affectionately known as Lupita—has called Canada home since 2006. She is the co-founder and a leading dancer of The Mexicans Folk Ballet.

Lupita has performed on stages around the world and is deeply committed to teaching Mexican folk and Latin American dance to the next generation, leading the children’s group within the company with care and enthusiasm. Her lifelong passion for culture and dance began in childhood and continues to fuel her mission of cultural celebration and exchange.

Whether on stage or in the community, Maria Guadalupe Velasco remains a tireless promoter of cultural diversity, sharing the traditions of her homeland while embracing and celebrating the beauty of all cultures.

Samantha Velasco 

Is a passionate and experienced dance instructor who has been dancing since the age of six. With a strong foundation in classical and jazz techniques, she brings a wealth of knowledge and stage experience to her role as a teacher for the teen group at The Mexicans Folk Ballet. Samantha has performed on both local and international stages, and her deep love for dance shines through in every class she teaches. She specializes in technique, stretching, and body strengthening, helping young dancers build the discipline, flexibility, and confidence needed to thrive as performers. Through her teaching, Samantha inspires dedication and creativity in the next generation of dancers.

Samantha is also the Director of Colombian Dance Company.

Raymundo Moreno Reyes 

Is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and performer whose work bridges contemporary dance, physical theatre, and social change. Graduated Dancer from UDLAP and holding an MA from the University of Toronto with a specialization in physical theatre and applied dance, Raymundo is a passionate educator and artist whose creative practice centers on the transformative power of the human body as a political and expressive instrument.

Since 2018, Raymundo has served as the Artistic Director of The Mexicans Contemporary Dance Company (MCDC) in Toronto, where he leads the artistic vision, curates repertoire, and creates original choreographic works.

Juan Palencia 

Is an Afro-Colombian dancer and performer whose work celebrates the rich rhythms, stories, and traditions of the African diaspora in Colombia. Rooted in the vibrant cultural landscapes of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Juan specializes in traditional Afro-Colombian dances such as currulao, mapalé, and cumbia, blending them with contemporary movement to create powerful and expressive performances.

A lifelong dancer, Juan has performed on national and international stages, sharing the beauty of Afro-Colombian culture through movement and storytelling. He is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring dancers, passing on traditional knowledge while fostering pride and identity within the Afro-Latinx community.

Currently, Juan is the Artistic Director of Colombian Dance Company and continues to choreograph, teach, and collaborate on cultural projects that center Black identity, resilience, and artistic expression.