Violeta De Leon Davila

Violeta De Leon Davila, a versatile artist in contemporary dance, has made notable contributions to the field. Her latest work, her immersive contemporary dance experience, “Wander Dance: Beyond the Race,” showcased at Hemisfair’s “Art in the Park” programming, invites participants on a transformative journey through movement, exploration, and the joy of dance.  She co-created the youth matinee “Welcome to Plant Dance” and presented it at the Carver Community Cultural Center in collaboration with the San Antonio Dance Organization in May 2023. Additionally, “Final Destination: Atacama Desert” impressed audiences at the San Antonio Dance Festival’s Grand Performance 2023. 

Violeta was chosen as one of 20 artists for the 4th edition of “Jornada de Artistas 2023,” an IME (Institute of Mexicans Abroad) initiative supporting Mexican women worldwide. Evaluated on experience, projects, and achievements, the conference, held in Mexico City from December 10 to 12, 2023, featured cinema and entertainment specialists on the jury.

She has been awarded an Individual Artists Project Grant 2023 from the Department of Arts and Culture of San Antonio. She was also a featured artist at the ‘Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival 2021’ and received an artist grant from the Luminaria Artist Foundation Cycle 2020.

Violeta’s dance film, “They Taught You Wrong: Metanoia—A Transformative Change,” delves into the pressing issues of femicide and domestic violence. It was showcased at the Mexican Cultural Institute in March 2023 and gained recognition at multiple film festivals.

With over a decade of teaching experience, some of her students have achieved recognition at prestigious competitions like the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). She introduced the Graham Technique to “Ballet San Antonio” and other pre-professional ballet organizations, and in Marfa, an enclave of modern performing artists in far West Texas, she has offered workshops and private lessons, introducing modern dance to the Big Bend Region.

Her choreographic contributions extended to the Extremadura Contemporary Dance Festival and the Metropolitan Contemporary Dance Meeting in Monterrey, Mexico. She was the winner of the 2004 Northern Mexico Contemporary Dance Choreography Contest, and she is credited with choreographing more than 20 original modern pieces as well as setting jazz, lyrical, and musical theater pieces for various productions. 

Violeta is a dedicated advocate for the arts and actively supports dance through her roles with non-profit organizations like the San Antonio Dance Umbrella and the San Antonio Dance Committee.

She is currently in her sixth year as a coordinator of the ‘San Antonio Dance Festival,’ an annual showcase of pre-professional and professional dancers from all over.

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Violeta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Dance from the ‘Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey’ and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Arts and Culture Administration and is a dedicated partner and mother of two.