Name: Eric Negron
Age: 19
Title: Choreographer
Affiliation: Became a member of KR3TS at the age of 10.

Eric Negron, age 19 from Spanish Harlem, is a perfect example of the ability and effectiveness that KR3TS has on its members. Eric's come a long way from back when he was 10 years old and first walked through KR3TS' doors. Most recently, he has earned the title of video and tour Choreographer for J Records, R&B Teen Superstar Mario, for whom he has choreographed his latest videos, "Boom" and "Here We Go", as well as his world tour.

Over the past couple of years, Eric's moves and articulate skill have also landed him a position as the lead world tour dancer for music icons such as both R&B songstress Beyonce, Destiny's Child and Missy Elliot. In addition, he has made noteable appearances in videos for Columbia recording artist Amerie ("One Thing"), MIssy Elliot ("Pop Dat Dis"), and rapper Rah Digga ("Party and BS"). Violet always knew his potential and because of it, she made sure he never gave up...for that he is eternally grateful.

"Every time I picture all of the things that I've accomplished, I think of Violet, for always pushing me to the limit when no one else would. She taught me about the entertainment business. She told me what to look out for and just how shady the business can be." says Eric about his former teacher from whom he learned every style of dance that he later incorporated into his own unique style of dance and Choreography that many have grown to love and appreciate.

The following excerpt as taken from a KR3TS review in Dance and Spirit magazine, October, 2001 issue: As Artistic Director of Keep Rising To The Top (KR3TS), Galagarza provides a safe haven for residents of her community. "When I was young, my so-called friends used to beat me up," says Negron, 15, who has been with the company for five years. "I have my priorities straight. I want to be a choreographer now. [Violeta] showed me what it really takes."

He would never have thought to go to a dance class if it wasn't for Galagarza's intervention; she invited him to join after spotting him dancing in the street. Marie Miranda, Negron's mother, sees the group as one of the most influential parts of her son's upbringing. "If it weren't for his dance group, I don't know where Eric would be," says Miranda, noting that many of the neighborhood kids drink, smoke, steal, and do drugs. "Violeta shows her group a positive way."

But now, in 2005, Eric still has the same drive and determination that he did back when he was 15. When asked what he sees for the near future he confidentally says, "I want to continue to teach dance, but in my own dance school. I also want to do a lot of artist development, and maybe sing." He admits that it was hard trying to establish a name for himself. "People in the music industry used to look down upon me, but now people are seeing my talent and I'm getting the respect I deserve." Eric's advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps is: "stay focused and don't let the negativity get to you...hard work pays off!"

 

Name: Jose Portillo (Bandit)

INSPIRATION TO MAKE MUSIC

From 1996 through 1997, Violet worked as a dance teacher at NYC’s Manhattan Village Academy, at which time she was also running KR3T’S. At that time, the school had no dance curriculum and she’d become the first person to implement a dance program at the school. One of the students who enlisted in the class, Jose Portillo AKA Bandit, who currently is the CEO of his own sound studio, “Fully Loaded Sounds,” which he started in 2002, recalls how Violet played a primary role in his decision to create music.

“I always liked to dance but never took a dance class,” Bandit says. “I remember when Violet first came to Manhattan Village Academy, nobody really knew her and everybody was trying to downplay what she came to do. But she had everybody fooled! Once the class started and people started seeing the choreography that she was teaching the class, one by one the line of people that came to see the class was like a mile long and everybody wanted to join the class. Students would even try to cut class just to watch Violet teach.”

The same love, guidance and support that Violet has always displayed to her students and non-students alike was definitely felt by those at The Manhattan Village Academy. “Most of our teachers at the school didn’t keep it real with us, but Violet always gave us the raw uncut,” Bandit explained. “Violet wasn’t just a teacher she was like a Mom to us. We were able to talk to her about anything and she taught us about real life. She gave me and other students the oppourtunity to be her assistants and she wanted for us to give back to the community by going on trips to perform, but she never got the OK from the principal.”

Like the many others who have been inspired by Violet, Bandit says, “I thank Vee (Violet), because she expanded my Horizons and showed me that I can do what ever I want in life. I figured that the same way she creates dance moves I could create sounds, which is why I started “Fully Loaded sounds.” If you’re Violet’s student for 3 months, a year or years, you’ll definitely learn something and that’s not just hype…it’s real!

 

Name: Mike Rivera

Read article about Mike and how he's doing in Iraq
FROM STREET COMBAT TO MILITARY COMBAT

Former gang member, Mike Rivera, 19, from Brooklyn, New York, became a member of KR3TS in 2003, when he was 17. His ex-girlfriend who was already a member of KR3TS, brought him to dance rehearsal one day and because of his natural love of dance, as well as the unity he sensed within the group, he couldn’t resist joining the company.
But Violet recalls his once uncertain future. “One day at rehearsal, I noticed that he had some beads on that represented a “notorious” gang and I confronted him. He admitted to being a member of that gang and I told him he was going to have to leave the gang and if not, leave KR3TS. It was one or the other.”

Violet warned the young gang member the danger he was putting KR3TS, his family and everyone else around him in because of his poor choice. Mike understood and didn’t want to leave KR3TS but explained to Violet that once you become a member of that organization—there’s no turning back, it’s a commitment, and leaving the gang normally results in death.

“I felt helpless,” Mike confessed.

Violet felt Mike’s sincerity and saw the situation as if it was one of her children in harms way. “I couldn’t turn my back on him,” Violet says. That’s when Violet and her former partner held a meeting with the gang leaders and miraculously Mike was allowed to leave the treacherous organization unharmed.

Currently stationed in San Diego, California, Mike has been selected to fight the war on terror and will departing for Iraq in January of 2006. While most fear him going to the war zone, Mike says, “those Iraqis need help and I’m proud to be able to help give people the opportunity at a new life, just like the way Violet [Director of KR3TS] did for me. Even though I’m not an active member of KR3TS, I will always be part of KR3TS. The company is my family and I will always visit and stay in touch. I’ll never forget what KR3TS has done for me.”