Board Chair

Marisol Marin, Board Chair, is an educational executive in San Diego for the past 17 years and a DanzArts family member for the last 7. She brings deep organizational skills, extensive fundraising experience, and solid budgeting and management knowledge to the mission of making DanzArts a vibrant and cultural asset to the San Diego community. As Chair she has solidified DanzArts Executive Board, assisted in securing its new studio, and expanding its membership. Her leadership and support of the organization’s vision is aimed at fueling the love and passion for future generations of DanzArts performers, their families, and the community. She has a B.A. and an M.A. in Education from San Diego State University and an Administrative Credential from the University of San Diego.

Sabor Mexico Dance Co. Representative

Tony was born and raised in San Diego CA. Always had a passion for dance and started with Ballet Folklorico Ixcuintla (in San Diego) at age 7. In 2011 joined Sabor Mexico Theatrical Company and have been a seasoned dancer as well as teaching the children’s Dance Academy. Tony has worked in Radio and TV since 2005 as Promotions Director & On-Air talent. Currently On-Air Talent on “Z90” (“Local Media of America”) & Production for “M.T.V”.

Giving back to our community is always a must and also serves as a Trustee for “Spreckels Organ Society” (Balboa Park) since 2015. By dance, we hope to help preserve our roots, culture, and traditions. After 26 years of dancing, it is important to encourage new generations to express themselves in dance and hold them to the highest standard in representing our culture.

Secretary to Executive Board

Marina Ornelas, a San Diego native, has always had a passion for performing and visual arts and pride in her Hispanic heritage and culture. At six years old she began dancing in her local community’s ballet folklorico group and continued dancing into her teenage years. As a teenager, she discovered her love for photography and continued to pursue an education in photography. From traditional film processes to digital imaging, she earned an AA in Photography from her local community college. In 2016, she earned an AA in Merchandise Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Passionately, Marina has jumped back into her dancing shoes as a ballet folklorico student with DanzArts after her daughter Aria joined the Children’s Ballet Folklorico. She and her family contribute to the organization through volunteer work in photography and more.

Vice President

Mariann Sanchez was born in México City and raised in San Diego. She has both a B.A. and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego and is currently employed at the University of San Diego. In 2010, Mariann joined Danzarts and became a company dancer in both of La Esencia Flamenca and Sabor México Theatrical Company. To date, Mariann has been fortunate to have been able to study in Spain and San Diego with Flamenco masters such as Domingo Ortega, Farruquito, Oscar Valero, María Serrano, Emilio Ochando, and Jesús Carmona. Additionally, she has been able to collaborate and perform with tremendously talented local artists. As a dancer, her goal is to transmit the love and passion she feels for this art form, while educating the audiences about its history and culture. As the Vice President and company member of Danzarts, Mariann is constantly seeking out different opportunities for offering affordable classes, scholarships, community performances and creative collaborations. This year Mariann had the privilege of co-producing a show called “Drums & Strings of the World,” with Patricia Astorga Casey, collaboration of live Music and Dance from México, Spain and West Africa.

Treasurer

Tracy was born and raised in beautiful San Diego and has been married since 2004 to her husband of Hispanic heritage, together they raise their 2 wonderful daughters.

Before Tracy found DanzArts, she knew she wanted a dance company that would encourage and push her daughters to do their absolute best while building confidence and self-esteem; a company that cares about the child as a whole, with each one being unique and with abilities that vary. With much joy, she came upon DanzArts!

Tracy and her family have been a part of DanzArts since 2015. In 2017, Tracy was chosen by Patricia Astorga-Casey to be the Treasurer of the DanzArts fast-growing company. Patricia has a passion for a dancer’s success that is inviting and contagious! Tracy feels blessed to be not only the Treasurer of a growing company but a tool in bringing Patricia’s dream to fruition.