Damaris Lissette Santos was born and raised in Rochester, NY.  She is a graduate from the Rochester City School District's School of the Arts, Class of 2011 as a Dance major. She then  went on to pursue her education at MCC. She is currently a full time Assistant Manager at AT&T in addition to working with BDT.  Damaris is also an Alumni of BDT. 

She began dancing at Little Red Dance Studio competing across the US in cities like Las Vegas, NY and Orlando in the  styles of tap, jazz, and ballet. Her group won many Regional  Competitions and National titles. She wanted to learn more  outside of competing and to also contribute to her community  in a different way. She was introduced to Borinquen Dance Company at the age of 10 where she embraced her love for  cultural dancing. She began dedicating her youth to assisting  with Borinquen Dance Theatre from the ages 10-21. She began peer mentoring for the age group 10-12 and performed as a  principal dancer in the senior company at the age of 12, while still assisting with leading the younger group. During her time as  a BDT Performer, she experienced dancing at many local events  like the Puerto Rican Festival, Fundraisers, the inauguration of  the City’s mayor just to name a few. These experiences helped her grow as a dancer and an individual. 

Most recently, Damaris began working and volunteering her time as the coordinator for the children’s program at Borinquen Dance Theatre in March 2024, both choreographing and  teaching fundamentals for performing. 

The children performing  today have learned a total of two pieces, a traditional Bomba  and Plena, within a five-month period. They have performed for  the Rochester Puerto Rican Festival, Syracuse Latin Festival,  Red Wings Coco Locos Night, Rochester City Hall, Hispanic  Heritage at the Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester City’s own  School 46. Damaris continues her dedication to Borinquen  Dance Theatre because it continues to provide diversity to the  community supporting children of all backgrounds. Through  her teaching styles and methods, Damaris has implemented  the importance of discipline and consistency. Most  importantly, the children have an increased understanding of  self-esteem and self-respect to carry them in places inside and  outside of the studio. Damaris is grateful to the community for  having placed trust in her to continue guiding the youth in a  positive environment, where all children are safe and welcome  to express themselves in the art of dance. 

Fun fact about BDT, it is passed on from generation to  generation. Damaris’ 8-year-old daughter is also her student.