Micaya, Founder and Artistic Director

“One doesn’t expect to encounter this kind of entertainment at a hip hop festival, but, then, other hip hop festivals are not run by Micaya, whose flair for exceptional programming is probably unrivalled in the business.”
- Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance
Micaya has been an instructor, choreographer and producer for over 20 years. Formally trained in ballet, jazz, modern, and African and Latin dance forms , she has a diversity that she incorporates in her choreography and teaching styles. In 1993, she began producing high energy, underground, sold-out hip-hop dance shows in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District . Those shows led up to the creation of the First Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest in 1999 at Theatre Artaud. Now in its 11th annual year and presented at the historic Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest has grown to be THE event that has put San Francsico on the map for presenting hip hop dance . Acknowledged as the FIRST festival dedicated specifically to hip hop dance, the DanceFest is a groundbreaking event, hosting companies from all over the globe.
"It takes a festival like Micaya's to show us - and challenge us to reconsider just how diverse, amorphous and all-embracing hip hop can now be."
- Rachel Howard, Special to The Chronicle
“It occurred to me Saturday that, around the country, there are probably a dozen cities that could produce a hip-hop festival comparable to San Francisco's, drawing its substance from local talent. If they're smart, they'll ask Micaya for advice.”
- Allan Ulrich, Voice of Dance
Micaya’s choreography has been featured in corporate events as well as music videos,television, nightclubs, festivals, theaters, cabaret, and touring productions. She is the founder and director of SoulForce Dance Company, and she produces the popular annual community show called “Mission in the Mix” which features SoulForce along with up and coming local companies and students.
“Choreographer Extraordinaire”
- San Francisco Magazine 1999
Micaya's classes are loved by Bay Area students of all ages and backgrounds.
Email: micaya@micaya.com for information about her classes and workshops.
SFHHDF Contacts
- General: info@sfhiphopdancefest.com
- Booking Manager: bookingmanager@sfhiphopdancefest.com
- PR: Brechin Flournoy
- SF Live audition coordinator: auditions@sfhiphopdancefest.com
SFHHDF Staff
- Producer / Artistic Director - Micaya
- Graphic Designer - Andy Co
- Website - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Booking Manager and Artist Hospitality - Kristin Schillinger
- Stage Manager / Tech Director - Janeen Johnson
- Lighting - Jenny B/Shady Lady
- Public Relations - Brechin Flournoy
- Office Personnel - Meegan Hertensteiner and Elaine Joy
- Merchandise Manager and Driver - Yeshuah Bell
- Volunteer Coordinators - Joy Iwasa and Minjae Laws
- Grant Writers - Quinn Associates
- Accountant - Susan Adelle
- T-Shirt Booth - Vickie Rivard
SFHHDF Board
- Abbey Catanjal - Board President
- Joy Iwasa - Sponsorship
- Minjae Laws
- Kennette Banks
- David Skillman
- Brandy Logue
- Eric Baca
- John Tso
Audition Panel
- Micaya
- Allan Frias
- Bionic
- Darnell Carroll
- Teela Shine Ross
- Mikey Disko