In just a few weeks, some of the world’s most elite dancers, choreographers and musicians will take the stage at Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas as part of the 2016 Gala de Danza event. Bringing together young talent with established dancers, the event is a showcase of beautiful artistry and a window into the professional world of dance for young, aspiring talent. The two-day gala features extraordinary performances from a variety of skilled dancers that will include 38 of the best artists from protégés as young as seven years old to world renowned professional dancers. Meet some of the talent below that you may have seen dancing across your TV screen or sharing a stage with big name musical talent. For a full list of the 2016 gala artists, visit: galadedanza.com.
June 3: Protégé Gala, 6 p.m., $30
June 4: Gala de Danza, 6 p.m., General Admission: $50, VIP: $100
Tickets: galadedanza.com
Guest Artists
- Bad Boys of Ballet: You may have seen them on Season 9 of “America’s Got Talent” as semi-finalists.
- Mariana Carrillo: You may have seen her on the MTV “Video Music Awards” dancing for Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora.
- Burim B1 Jusufi: You may have seen him on “So You Think You Can Dance” as a top 20 finalist, or performing with Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, David Guetta and Nick Jonas.
- Illjaz Jusufi: You may have seen him performing at the Billboard Music Awards.
- Alex Laya: You may have seen him performing with Diplo or featured in his music video.
- Steven Ezra: You may have seen him as a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”
- Nicole Loizides: You may have seen her on the cover of Dance Magazine or performing on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”
- Beckanne Sisk: You may have seen her on the TV series “Breaking Pointe.”
Young Professional Guest Artists
- Avery Gay: You may have seen her on the TV series “Little Big Shots.”
- Sophia Lucia: Holds the Guinness World Record for 55 pirouttes. You may have seen her starring on “Dance Moms,” or featured on “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “X-Factor,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The Ellen Show” and “The Ricki Lake Show.”
Musicians
- Leah Metzler: Cellist for Project Protégé, Intertwined. You may have seen her performing at the Grammy’s with Ed Sheeran or on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Tyler, The Creator. She has also worked with many artists including Stevie Wonder, Frank Ocean, The Wu Tang Clan, Cold War Kids and more.
- Ginger Murphy: Cellist who can be heard on more than 200 albums/soundtracks including Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Josh Groban, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pepe Aguilar. You may have also seen her backing vocalists on “The Voice” and “American Idol.”
- Paul Rivera: Composer and guitarist for Project Protégé, Intertwined
Choreographers
- Josie Walsh: Named No. 25 to watch by Dance Magazine and on the list “Faces to Watch 2014” for dance by the Los Angeles Times.