Violeta Galagarza

Violeta Galagarza is an award-winning choreographer and founder of Keep Rising to the Top (KR3TS); a dance company that has been launching the careers of top-performing dance professionals for more than 30 years in East Harlem.Acclaimed for her ability to seamlessly integrate traditional dances with hip-hop and other street dance styles has made her a force in the industry. Recently, Violeta and KR3TS dancers performed dance scenes in Lin Manuel’s “In The Heights” movie. She has created work for top artists like Aventura, Prince Royce, Jill Scott, Joe, Omarion, Millie Quezada, Jim Jones, Shenseea, TKA, Coro, Lissette Melendez, El General.

In 2012, Violeta won a Latin Grammy Award for “Best Choreography Flash Mob” (Verizon Fios), a 2012 Bessie Award for “Special Achievement in Dance,” was one of seven women honored with a 2012 MamásLatinas Award. Through KR3TS, Violeta has trained more than 5000 students in hip-hop, mambo, African, Latin, house, hustle, ballet, bachata, and many other styles of dance. The artistic development students receive through KR3TS has catapulted many careers as professional choreographers and dancers. KR3TS alumni have performed on world tours with artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Kanye West, Kelly Rowland, Missy Elliot, Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo, Azalea Banks, Cardi B, 50 Cent, and Arianna Grande.

Through dance, KR3TS transform lives and uplift the community. KR3TS serves as a positive alternative for youth to express themselves and navigate life instead of succumbing to street pressures and other negative influences. Dancers learn the importance of giving back to our world. KR3TS has fundraised $12,000 for Puerto Rican relief efforts from Hurricane Maria and distributed portable battery operated airbeds, shared care packages to homeless NYC youth, and provided food and clothing for seniors during the pandemic.

Join us as we celebrate their impact, uplift the power of community, and dance together toward a future where art fuels justice and joy.