José Cruz-Arzón (He/They) was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has been dancing since he was 12. José started in classical styles like ballet, jazz, contemporary and modern, but quickly found a love for street styles like hip hop, fusion styles like jazz funk, reggaeton, and more. When he moved to Madison, WI to pursue his Master’s degree in Biochemistry, he furthered his dance training at Barrio Dance, where he continued to develop his skills in hip hop, afro, house, jazz funk, heels, reggaetón, and more. His dance journey with Barrio Dance Factory has led him to compete in World of Dance Chicago in 2022, 2023, and 2024, where they earned 1st place (2023) and 2nd place (2024). Furthermore, he had the opportunity to compete at the World of Dance World Summits in 2024 and 2025, where, alongside Barrio Dance Factory, they placed 1st in the North America adult division and 18th worldwide.
José has also taught and choreographed for the Isthmus Dance Collective through their Dance Experience Lab for Vibrant Exchange (DELVE) program, KLJ Movement, Madison Ballroom Company, and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR). He also teaches hip hop at Monona Academy of Dance, as well as weekly drop-in adult classes at Barrio Dance. José enjoys being on stage, performing, and teaching others how to live their best onstage experiences and bring out the best in his students. José values having fun above everything else, diverse student perspectives and ideas, inclusivity, confidence, freedom of expression, and trusting the process. José is also passionate about the history, culture, and impact of hip hop as a movement, and hopes to inspire students to find their own style and personality, and still pay tribute to the roots of hip hop.
