Jose Costas began his dance training in his native Puerto Rico, under the direction of Julie Mayoral and Lolita San Miguel. He was a principal dancer with Ballet Hispanico of New York for nine years. During his tenure with Ballet Hispanico, Mr. Costas created lead roles in many ballets and performed throughout the United States, Europe and South America. He has worked extensively as a choreographer, creating productions throughout the country. Mr. Costas is also a master teacher, working extensively with educational programs for Ballet Hispanico, City Center and the Orchestra of St. Lukes. He has taught master classes in ballet, modern, jazz and ethnic dance styles for universities, dance schools and public schools in the United States and Puerto Rico. In 1995 he received a Modern Dance Award given by Puerto Rican Institute of New York. He taught at California State University, Dominguez Hills for four years before becoming a full-time faculty member in the Orange Coast College Dance Department. Mr. Costas earned his B.S. and M. Ed. degrees from Catholic University of Puerto Rico, and his M.F.A. from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. He is the artistic director of “Fiesta Latina” a dance outreach program” focusing on the Latino dance/music traditions.