Valentina Bagala

Valentina is a distinguished teacher, choreographer, and studio owner known for her exceptional choreography. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor in Arts and a minor in Education. Her dance journey began at the Valero Dance Academy in Chile and expanded across South America, Europe, and the USA, covering Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballroom, and Lyrical dance. Valentina is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).

She gained early recognition at the inaugural Latin American Dance Contest and appeared on Chilean TV shows “Buenos Dias a Todos” and “Venga Conmigo”. Her career includes performing with Canadian choreographer Erin St John and working at Gainesville Ballet Theater and Lake Houston Performing Arts Center in Houston, Texas.

Valentina’s choreography has won numerous awards, including “Best Choreography” and “Technical Excellence,” with notable accolades such as the KAR's Choreographer of the Year Award and the Antoine Olds Achievement Award in 2024. Her work has been showcased on Spanish television stations Telemundo and Univision. She has appeared on these shows as a guest speaker, discussing topics like the benefits of dance in children, World Flamenco Day, World Ballet Day, Selena Quintanilla and Celia Cruz Tributes, May the 4th, and more.

In 2018 her story and studio were featured in a Google commercial, the Miami Herald, and Dance Teacher Magazine, highlighting Valentina's leadership skills that continue to inspire and shape the next generation of dancers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her studio's adaptation to virtual classes earned recognition from Facebook's CEO Sheryl Sandberg.

Currently, Valentina is the Director of Ascendance Studio in Miami, where she continues to mentor and inspire young dancers. She is also a sought-after judge for talent competitions nationwide.