Source: SBDI
SBDI, the arts organization that brings educational dance programs into the public schools and provides professional development in dance to teachers, is pleased to announce that Franchesca Marisol Cabrera has joined its staff as their Director of Operations. Franchesca Marisol brings her extensive experience in teaching and administrating in the non-profit dance field.
Working with schools and community centers with little to no art programming since 2005, SBDI’s programs immerse students in music and dance, fostering pride in personal achievement, a love of the arts, and a curiosity about the world. Through direct programming and professional development, the organization has reached 25,000+ children, 80+ teachers, and 30,000+ audience members. SBDI brings consistent, structured dance classes with an emphasis on celebrating Latin culture along with current music and dance that is relevant to the communities we serve.
“We have been waiting and searching for someone to fill the role who is strong as a Teaching Artist, as well as administratively,” said Rosalina Macisco, founder, and executive director of SBDI. “Ms. Cabrera is passionate about arts education and understands the unique value and life changing experience that SBDI brings to children who collaborate and partner through the arts. I am beyond delighted to have Ms. Cabrera a fellow Latinx join our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and I look forward with anticipation and excitement to what will unfold as we begin to work together. “
Prior to joining SBDI staff, Franchesca Marisol Cabrera co-founded ColectivXs, an interdisciplinary collective working to embody, represent, honor, question and challenge space for Latinx identities to be expressed. Recently, she presented an oral history research project titled; Danza Guadalupana a family legacy rooted in dance, cultural tradition, spirituality, and community at the National Dance Education Organization 2021 online Conference.
Ms. Cabrera received her Bachelor of Arts in World Arts and Cultures from University of California, Los Angeles, and her Master of Arts from New York University in Arts Education with an emphasis on critical thinking. A California native and fluent bilingual Spanish speaker, Franchesca Marisol aims to offer engaging connections through arts experiences in educational settings, through tv and film; and to serve a consultant to varied arts organizations and cultural institutions, and collaborating with local and national community members. Having recently returned to California after 10 years of living, working and performing in New York City, her most recent works include a partnership with State Street Ballet, as the Spanish language translator, interpreter and co-host on a 5-part video series on the creation of a new production, acting as the Assistant Rehearsal Director on a film staging for the 2022 Flamenco Arts Festival virtual experience and serving as a bilingual host for Univision’s broadcast of Old Spanish Days Fiesta Pequeña.
ABOUT SBDI
“Our strategies are based on the belief that dance should be a part of every child’s education and not just for those who can afford it. Working closely with schools and community centers, we believe that a healthy community requires public engagement that supports and embraces our community’s racial, cultural, and socio-economic complexity”
For more information on the work and programs of the Santa Barbara Dance Institute visit www.sbdi.org or call Ms.Macisco at 805 245-0794
Photo Credit: P. Van Nostrand