PATRICK

RIVERA-CRUZ

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ASSISTANT SCHOOL DIRECTOR

HIP HOP PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Teacher & Choreographer

Hip Hop Performance Program

WSPA Alumni Class 2004

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Patrick Rivera Cruz started his dance journey at WSPA. As a young student at the age of 6, he studied everything the school had to offer. Pat trained for ten years in many different styles including tap, jazz, ballet, and Russian character. At the age of 15 he was first introduced to Hip Hop as a dance from and instantly fell in love. Knowing that he wanted this to be his main focus, he devoted all of his time to pursuing his new found passion. At the age of 18 he met Shaun Evaristo and his life forever changed. With Shaun as his mentor, he was inspired to pursue dance professionally. Together they founded The Company, which is now considered one of the top dance teams in the world. At age 25 Pat moved to LA to further pursue his dance career. During this time and with the help of Movement Lifestyle, he found his calling as a traveling choreographer. Pat would spend the next five years teaching at camps and workshops throughout 32 different countries around the world. While in LA he would also find a brotherhood and sense of belonging in the Kinjaz. Together they have helped to elevate dance to new heights and are most recognized for competing on television shows like ABDC and NBC’s World of Dance. Pat moved back to the Bay Area a few years ago to focus on building and growing the Hip Hop department at WSPA. He is still teaching abroad and continues to pursue his dance dreams with The Company and Kinjaz.