Oscar Joel Benavidez 

Oscar Joel Benavidez, a native of Salinas, California, began his journey in Mexican folklórico dance at the age of 16. His passion led him to pursue higher education in the performing arts, earning an associate degree from Hartnell College and later a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from San José State University. Throughout his academic journey, Oscar took on leadership roles, serving as the Artistic Director for folklórico groups at both Hartnell College and California State University, Monterey Bay. His talent and dedication also earned him positions with prestigious dance groups, including Grupo Folklórico Luna y Sol de San José State and Los Lupeños de San José.