Juliana Calderon 

 
"Though born in the vibrant heart of Colombia, I have called the United States my home for 35 years. My journey has led me to serve in underserved communities, both near and far, with a special passion for nurturing the youth in my homeland. Through the art of dance diplomacy, I am passionate to bridge cultures and foster understanding, weaving connections that transcend borders. It is an honor and a privilege to touch the lives of young people everywhere, and I feel deeply fortunate to be of service to them."
 
Juliana Calderon began dancing at an early age with traditional Colombian dance. Her love of dance as a pure form of expression led her to continue training with many choreographers including Luam, Fatima, Brian Friedman, Rhapsody, Jennifer Archibald, Mr. Wiggles, Crazy Legs, Ronald K. Brown and others. She has performed in concerts with artists Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Junior Mafia, Total, Chico DeBarge, Tito Puente and others as well as performed at many festivals locally and internationally. Ms. Calderon has both choreographed for and performed at many venues including the Kennedy Center, Carter Baron Amphitheater, the Roundhouse Theater, Strathmore Music Hall, the Kravis Center For The Performing Arts, the National Mall and the White House. She has also had the opportunity to tour internationally with recording artist Mya and has recently been a featured dancer in Sean Paul’s “She doesn’t mind” video. Ms. Calderon has been a teacher for the D.A.R.E.® America Dance Program, Joy of Motion Dance Center, a teaching artist for the CityDance DREAM program in Washington DC and Maryland schools as well as being on faculty with the After School Latin Dance Fund. Currently Ms. Calderon is Choreographer for Citydance’s annual NBA Wizard’s halftime show as well as choreographer in residence at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, FL. She has had extensive experience as a dance educator for children and adults, from beginners to advanced levels both nationally and internationally. Ms. Calderon was founder and artistic director of her own dance company entitled Grupo Cumbé, dedicated to performing traditional Colombian dance as well as contemporary dance with choreography inspired by her cultures African, Spanish and indigenous roots. She was also founder and artistic director of DCypher Dance, Joy of Motion’s resident Hip Hop Company as well as company and outreach manager for Life, Rhythm, Move Project. Ms. Calderon has had the honor of being nominated for emerging choreographer at the 2006 and 2007 Metro DC Dance Awards, for several categories in 2008 and won outstanding group performance in 2008 and 2009. Ms. Calderon has also had the honor of being a cultural envoy or "dance ambassador" for the United States government in missions to Honduras and Bolivia.
 
 
Programs Visited:
FUNDAMOR in Calí, Colombia
BAILAMOR – Hip-Hop Dance Workshop 
February 2016
 
CASA DE LA CHINCA in Medellín, Colombia
BAILAMOR – Hip-Hop Dance Workshop 
February 2016

NUEVO FUTURO in Bogota, Colombia
BAILAMOR - Hip-Hop Dance Workshop
July 4, 2019

CASA DE LA CHINCA in Medellin, Colombia
BAILAMOR - Hip-Hop Dance Workshop
Supported by Feminine Weapon & PULSE Community
July 17, 2024