Media Kit

Griset Damas-Roche

Artistic Director, Choreographer, Flamenco Dancer
and Dance Teacher

U Will Dance Studio
133 N. Chillicothe Street

Plain City, Ohio (614) 327-6441

uwilldancestudio@gmail.com

Griset, what distinguishes your work in the community?
I am a passionate Flamenco dancer, performer, and historian, dedicated to sharing the beauty and vibrancy of this art form with the Columbus, Ohio community. My challenging Cuban upbringing has been a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic journey, fostering deep empathy and understanding for others.

What distinguishes my work in our community is the integration of the Spanish language alongside our dance instruction. I take great pride in being the sole dedicated Flamenco studio in the area, offering not only training but also professional-level performances with live musicians.

Over the years, I've come to recognize the significance of making dance accessible to individuals of all physical abilities and ages. It's a source of pride for me that my students range in age from 6 to 75! Recently, I've even dedicated a class exclusively to individuals who are chair-bound, further expanding the inclusivity of our dance program.

In addition, my journey as a parent to an autistic daughter has also been a powerful source of inspiration. Her unique perspective on the world has enriched my understanding of human expression and deepened my commitment to making the world of Flamenco accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.

How does your company do good work?
Through the magic of dance, my studio's mission is simple: to make the world better. Dance nurtures physical, creative, emotional, and intellectual capacities. We choose art over conflict, believing that making people better through our art promotes a world filled with creativity, not war.

In my inclusive studio, we transform anxiety into smiles using movement and music, fostering positivity within individuals. I am proud to empower all students, envisioning a future with happier, more expressive dancers in Columbus.

I believe in producing not just better dancers, but also better professionals who radiate positivity worldwide. Flamenco, with its benefits like stress reduction and enhanced memory, helps us achieve this goal. In the end, my studio works tirelessly to create better people, contributing to a brighter world through the language of dance.

What do you envision for the future of your company?
My vision is for the studio to become an inspiring example of how discipline and love can turn dreams into reality. I see a vibrant studio filled with children and adults who are not only fluent in English and Spanish but also passionately practicing castanets or the latest dance steps they've learned in our classes. It would be a dream come true to have fellow colleagues share their experiences with our students and to bring talented Spanish artists to Columbus, sharing this beautiful art form even more widely. And my most ambitious goal is to establish the Columbus Spanish Ballet, comprised of young talents trained right here in our studio.

puro,_por_alegrias (720p).mp4

 2024 OhioDance Festival, videographer Megan Davis Bushway