JUNTOS

The JUNTOS Fall Newsletter -

The JUNTOS Fall Newsletter It’s hard to believe fall is already here! We’re getting back into the swing of things after a jam-packed summer season, with three back-to-back international trips flying out just days after our Celebración JUNTOS Spring Benefit event.

“I would not be where I am today without mentorship and access to arts education. JUNTOSxChange is an opportunity for me to be that resource for the next generations of Latinx artists. I am excited to connect with these artists, listen to their interests and needs, and aid in their development by sharing anything I can!”

– Gaby Diaz, JUNTOSxChange 2026 Mentor

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Want to learn how you can take advantage of our FREE springboard program for Latinx/e dance professionals? Head over to https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/ to meet our mentors, learn more about JUNTOS, and apply today!

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Introducing our third and final mentor for JUNTOSxChange 2026, Gaby Diaz!

is originally from Miami, Florida. Her performance credits include Broadway: Buena Vista Social Club, Illinoise. Stage: Jennifer Lopez’s Las Vegas Residency “All I Have”, “So You Think You Can Dance” (Season 12 Winner), Shaping Sound Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Off-Broadway: Freddie Falls in Love, Only Gold, Illinoise. Film: Tick Tick... Boom!, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Spirited, Maestro. Awards: 2023 Chita Rivera Award Winner, 2015 America’s Favorite Dancer. Press: New York Times’ “Swiss Army Knife of a Dancer”.

We are so excited to have Gaby join our roster of incredible mentors for our third cohort of JUNTOSxChange. If you’re a Latinx/e dance professional, at least 21 years old, and based in NYC, we encourage you to apply today for this free professional development program!

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Applications close Sunday, September 27th at 11:59pm ET!

🔗 Click here for more info and to apply: https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/ !

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"Throughout my career, I have seen movement become a language that allows people to discover parts of themselves they may not yet have words for. My creative and pedagogical work is rooted in creating spaces where artists can take risks, listen to one another, investigate their individuality, and understand the responsibility we have to the communities around us.

I am excited to be part of JUNTOSxChange because I believe deeply that dance education is not only about developing better dancers … it is about developing more courageous, curious, generous human beings."

–Luis Salgado, JUNTOSxChange 2026 Mentor

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We are so proud to have industry leaders like Luis Salgado as mentors in our springboard program for Latinx/e dance artists. Take advantage of this FREE program offering by heading over to https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/ and applying to JUNTOSxChange before Sunday, September 27th at 11:59pm!

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Introducing Luis Salgado, one of the fantastic mentors joining our team for JUNTOSxChange 2026! ❤️

Luis is an award-winning Puerto Rican director, choreographer, performer, producer, and educator whose career bridges Broadway, commercial entertainment, and community-centered arts education. His work is driven by a belief in Art with a Purpose—using storytelling and movement not only to entertain, but to create opportunity, strengthen representation, and empower the next generation of artists.

As a director and choreographer, Salgado has developed work throughout the United States and internationally, collaborating across Broadway, regional theatre, television, concerts, and large-scale live entertainment. His credits include In the Heights, On Your Feet!, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 1776, Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour, the Jimmy Awards, Telemundo, and projects with artists including Karol G. His work has been recognized with multiple Helen Hayes Awards and other honors for direction and choreography.

Salgado is the founder and Artistic Director of R.Evolución Latina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering artists and communities through educational and artistic programming, and the founder of Salgado Productions, where his mission of creating “Art with a Purpose” extends to developing new work and opportunities for diverse artists and stories.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico and based in New York City, Luis is deeply committed to mentorship. His approach encourages artists to recognize that a sustainable career is built not only through technique, but through curiosity, discipline, leadership, generosity, resilience, and an understanding of their own unique voice. He believes the artist’s responsibility extends beyond the stage: to create, to serve, to question, to build community, and to open doors for those coming next.

Get to know Luis on his Instagram profile at !
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If you’re a 21+, NYC-based Latinx/e dance professional, we encourage you to apply to this free springboard program!

🔗 Click here for program and application info: https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/!
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We are so excited to introduce you to our first JUNTOSxChange mentor, Maria Torres!

Maria Torres is an award-winning director, choreographer, educator, producer, and performer whose career spans Broadway, Off Broadway, film, television, concert dance, and the music industry.

Selected theatre credits include On Your Feet!, Swing!, Four Guys Named José… and Una Mujer Named María, The Donkey Show, The Golden Mickeys, directed by Diane Paulus, and Sol of El Barrio. Film and television credits include Enchanted, Idlewild, Dance With Me, El Cantante, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Got Talent. She has taught at Jacob’s Pillow and created the MT Latin Jazz Technique.

A Dance Magazine Honoree, Maria received Lucille Lortel and Carbonell nominations for Four Guys Named José… and Una Mujer Named María, Choreography Medal Honors for So You Think You Can Dance, and an Ovation nomination for Zoot Suit.

Maria is Co-Founder and Artistic Producing Director of the Maria Torres Emerging Artists Foundation, where mentorship, talent development, education, access, and fellowship are central to her work. She serves on the Executive Board of SDC, the Board of Trustees of SDCF, and the Board of Amas Musical Theatre.

Follow Maria at .torres.official on IG to learn more about her work!

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🔗 JUNTOSxChange applications are open until Sunday, September 27th at 11:59 pm ET. Click here to learn more and apply: https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/

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We're so excited for JUNTOSxChange 2026! It's hard to believe that it's already the third year that we're running this incredible program. Swipe through to learn everything you need to know about this free weekend of professional development, personal growth, and indispensable opportunity!

Applications close Sunday, September 27th at 11:59 PM ET!

Don't miss out! Learn more and apply today: https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/

Only 48H left to show your support! Make your tax-deductible contribution by midnight on August 31st! - https://mailchi.mp/57af3942df47/guate26finalfundraiser-9307333

JUNTOSxChange is now accepting applications for our 2026 cohort! This program is a three-day-long, tuition-free springboard for NYC-based, Latinx/e dance artists who are ready to elevate their careers.

Through seminars, discussions, movement workshops, and 1-on-1 mentorship, JUNTOSxChange provides tangible, personalized tools and resources for professional development. This community-based professional development program aims to serve the Latinx/e artist community by uplifting Latinx/e dance artists at many different points in their career, including those transitioning between roles and/or sectors.

If you’re a Latinx/e dance professional, at least 21 years old, and based in NYC, we encourage you to apply today!

Applications close Sunday, September 27th at 11:59 PM EST.

🔗 Click here for more info and to apply today:https://juntoscollective.org/juntosxchange/

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JUNTOSxChange mentors Sindy Folgar, Jose Sebastian, and Jennifer Florentino with program directors Cristiana Cavallo and Ali Delgadillo (2025)

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Only 5 days left left to show your support for our End of Fiscal Year Fundraiser! ⏳

This annual campaign always raises funds for JUNTOS programming and to sponsor a Community Alliance, so that our international impact can continue outside of our trips! This year, donations will go toward purchasing essential items for Hogar de Ancianos Fray Rodrigo de la Cruz and Albergue Hermano Pedro, two beloved JUNTOS Community Alliances in Antigua, Guatemala.

In past years, we have successfully sponsored:
❤️ Tejiendo Futuros – uniform shirts for students
❤️ Refugio de la Niñez – supplies for the children to create holiday crafts
❤️ Fundación Salvación – a television to participate in virtual workshops

Ready to help JUNTOS make a difference in our global community? 🔗 Click this link to make your tax-deductible donation by August 31!: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-juntos-end-of-fiscal-year-fundraiser

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JUNTOS Abroad Dance Volunteers playing with students after a workshop in Panajachel, Guatemala (2026).
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