At GECATTA, we believe that when young artists are given the opportunity to grow, their impact can reach far beyond the stage. Josue is one of those artists.
Josue’s journey in the arts began when he was just five years old, and over the past decade he has developed into a dynamic performer and musician whose passion touches every part of his life. He is the son of Kerstin Valencia Villalobos and a proud sibling to Edward, Myka, Raul, Isaiah, Clara, and Benjamin—family members who have supported and encouraged his artistic path along the way.
At Your Performing Arts Center (YPAC), Josue has trained for years in dance, performing roles in productions such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, and stepping into memorable characters like the Rat King, Snow King, and one of the Dancing Santas. In recent years he has also taken on competitive dance, where his dedication and work ethic have quickly earned recognition.
Josue’s dedication paid off when he received multiple prestigious scholarships, including a full scholarship to the Giordano Dance Company intensive in Chicago and recognition from New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA). Through NYCDA, Josue earned an automatic acceptance to attend their pre-professional Summer Intensive in New York City.
Recognizing both his talent and his commitment, the board of GECATTA awarded Josue a $4,700 scholarship to help support his travel and training in New York. For Josue, the experience represented more than just a dance opportunity—it was a chance to learn from world-class artists, grow in confidence, and bring that knowledge back to his community.
Josue’s creativity extends far beyond dance. At school, he studies visual arts including ceramics and design, performs in orchestra playing both violin and cello, and participates in choir, jazz ensemble, and musical theatre productions such as Anything Goes. He also brings music into his faith community, serving as the bass player on his church’s student-led worship team and performing cello during Christmas services.
Whether he is dancing on stage, playing music in church, creating in the art studio, or supporting his peers as a dance captain, Josue represents what happens when passion, discipline, and opportunity come together.
Through the generosity of donors and supporters, GECATTA is honored to help young artists like Josue pursue experiences that expand their horizons and shape their future. His story is a reminder that when we invest in the arts, we are investing in the leaders, creators, and storytellers of tomorrow.
Copyright 2024 GECATTA
