Diana Ortiz Sosa

Diana Ortiz Sosa is DC Casineros’ Principal Dancer Development Lead, Principal Dancer, Instructor, and Choreographer. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, she began dancing Peruvian folk forms as a child and in her high school dance group. At fourteen, she joined the professional folkloric company Jallmay Alto Folclor and toured with that company in the United States, France, Italy, Spain, and Taiwan.

After pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics, Diana began practicing Casino in 2008 and joined Peru Latin Dance. Her dance history brings together Peruvian folkloric performance and Cuban social dance.

In the United States, she became a member of Boston’s MetaMovements Dance Company. She moved to Washington, DC, and joined DC Casineros in 2013. Today she contributes to the company’s performances, instruction, choreography, and the development of its principal dancers.

Follow Diana on Instagram · Follow DC Casineros

Teaching and Cultural Exchange

Diana’s teaching experience includes Dance Place, George Mason University, Sweden, Atlanta, Baltimore, Baila NY, and corporate and community events. She shares her experience in Cuban social dance while supporting the growth of DC Casineros’ principal dancers.

Training and Artistic Development

Her Cuban dance training includes DC Casineros, study in Cuba mainly with All Stars, and training with Yudisleidy Valdez. She has continued her study through festivals in Atlanta, Baila NY, CubaSon in Mallorca and New Orleans, and Guaguancó. Her broader movement studies include beginner ballet at BalletNova and Peruvian folk dance with Jallmay Alto Folclor.

Diana in Performance