Victoria Jara (she/hers)

Dancer, Ensemble Member

Training and Background

Victoria joined Lannaya in 2021 to nurture her passion for West African dance and music. Since 2022, she has participated in Lannaya’s annual week-long intensive, where she continues to deepen her understanding of drum and dance traditions of Mali, under the guidance of Souleymane Solo Sana.

Cultural Connection

Born in Miami, Florida, to Peruvian and Chilean parents, Victoria’s story reflects a rich blend of cultural influences. Growing up between Miami and Iquitos, Peru, she was immersed in diverse Latin, indigenous, and African dance traditions. Her early training included traditional Amazonian dances, samba, salsa, merengue, and negroide, alongside contemporary styles such as ballet, jazz, and hip hop.

Contributions to Lannaya

Victoria is an active participant in Lannaya’s programs and performances, bringing her diverse dance background and dedication to the ensemble. Her commitment to learning and preserving West African drum and dance traditions aligns with Lannaya’s mission to celebrate and share the transformative power of West African drum and dance. She recently performed with Lannaya in a dynamic collaboration that celebrated the artistry and shared traditions of West African and Boricua dance. This cultural exchange, created in partnership with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, culminated in Celebrando 2024 – Salsa & Heritage Festival, Madre Patria África.

Special Skills

Victoria is a graduate of the AOMA School of Integrative Medicine, holding a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. As a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAC) and a member of the PEACE Collective, she works to promote health equity by providing no-cost and low-cost acupuncture services to underserved and frontline communities in Austin, TX.