The Graceful Force of Movement: Violeta De Leon Davila’s Transformative Dance Journey
In the ever-evolving world of contemporary dance, few artists embody versatility, cultural richness, and fearless innovation like Violeta De Leon Davila. A powerhouse of
creativity and vision, Violeta is redefining the role of dance in our communities through interdisciplinary collaborations, socially conscious performances, and a relentless passion for artistic expression.
A Choreographic Voice with Wings
Violeta’s recent work, Feathered Rhapsody, beautifully captures the majesty and movement of birds in flight. The three-part choreographic piece is visually striking and sonically rich, created in collaboration with renowned composer Federico Chávez-Blanco and Malakita Productions. It is a tribute to nature’s poetry, delicately brought to life through motion and music.
Her commitment to meaningful, evocative storytelling continues in pieces like Vision Fugitives and Stations of Mychal, which debuted at the International Arts Festival hosted by the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Both were commissioned by composer Kevin Salfen and featured live performances by pianist Dr. Ara Koh and dancers from Ballet San Antonio, highlighting Violeta’s ability to combine classical elements with contemporary aesthetics.
Dance That Heals, Teaches, and Transforms
Violeta’s vision extends beyond the traditional stage. Her immersive performance, Wander Dance: Beyond the Race, was presented at University Health Hospital’s SaludArte Program and Hemisfair’s Art in the Park, showing how dance can play a vital role in public art and healing spaces.
She also reaches young audiences through works like Welcome to Plant Dance, a youth matinee co-created for the Carver Community Cultural Center, cultivating a love for movement and creativity in the next generation.
Her compelling dance film, They Taught You Wrong: Metanoia – A Transformative Change, has resonated with audiences and critics, earning recognition at multiple film festivals. The piece is a bold exploration of unlearning and transformation, proving that dance can be a powerful medium for introspection and social commentary.
Recognition, Representation, and Advocacy
Violeta’s impact has reached international stages. She was recently selected for the 5ta Jornada de Artistas 2024 in Mexico City, and currently serves as a fellow in the prestigious NYFA Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program (2024–25).
Her contributions have been supported by multiple San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture grants, including the Individual Artists Project Grant (2023, 2025) and the Production Grant for Artists (2025).
Beyond performance, Violeta is a passionate educator with over a decade of teaching experience. She introduced the Graham Technique to Ballet San Antonio and has led inspiring workshops in places like Marfa, Texas, cultivating a deeper appreciation for contemporary dance throughout Texas and beyond.
Leadership in Motion
As the Advocacy Co-chair of the National Dance Society, Board Director at San Antonio Dance, and Performing Arts Advisor for Modern in San Antonio (MISA), Violeta is deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric. She also leads as the coordinator of the San Antonio Dance Festival, now in its sixth year—an event that reflects her unwavering dedication to community and artistic growth.
Adding to her list of creative endeavors, Violeta is the founder of Think Art? Think Dance is an exciting occasional digital newsletter that spotlights the vibrant dance world in San Antonio. The newsletter celebrates movement, culture, and community through curated stories, artist features, and performance highlights, and will be featured in Live from the Southside Magazine.
A Life in Balance
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Violeta’s journey is rooted in artistic excellence and academic rigor. She holds degrees in Contemporary Dance and International Relations, and is pursuing a Master’s in Arts and Culture Administration. She manages all this while raising two children—a testament to her resilience, drive, and passion.
Violeta De Leon Davila is not just shaping the future of dance in San Antonio and beyond—she embodies what it means to use art as a force for change, connection, and beauty. Whether in a hospital corridor, a city park, a university stage, or a global festival, her work reminds us of the power of movement to tell stories that matter.
Stay connected with Violeta’s artistic journey, Think Art? Think Dance, and follow her upcoming performances and projects in San Antonio and beyond.
