Shortly after arriving from Bahia in December of 2003, Paco Gomes was invited to instruct an advanced level modern dance class at SFSU. He took interest in four students from that master class and asked them to join him in creating a piece for a studio exhibition in which he was invited to present. When the event was cancelled the group discovered Harvest, Dance Mission’s annual fall choreographers showcase where the group performed for the first time under the name, “Paco Gomes & Dancers.” Having been well received, Paco began to create more work- both Afro-Brazilian and modern- to be performed in the Bay Area. In January, 2005 the group toured for the first time to Bahia, Brazil and performed their small repertory in various theaters throughout Salvador and neighboring town, Itacaré. Since this first successful year, Paco Gomes and Dancers has continued to perform in various venues throughout the Bay Area and returns annually to Bahia, Brazil to perform with local dancers and give workshops to children. In December of 2006, Paco Gomes and Dancer proudly celebrated their first full evening of works, "Many Pieces"… Jeni Leary Jeni Leary started dancing Afro-Brazilian and folkloric dance in 2001 with Tania Santiago who she accompanied to Salvador, Brazil to participate in a series of workshops offered in Afro-Brazilian dance, contemporary, popular and religious dances. Jeni returned to Brazil for one year to study Afro-Brazilian, folkloric and religious dances as well as discovering modern dance through classes offered by Paco Gomes. She returned to San Francisco fall of 2003 and began studying both dance and psychology at SFSU where she is currently finishing her degree. She has danced with Paco Gomes and Dancers since July of 2004. Michaela Shoberg Michaela Shoberg began her dance training in Newport, Oregon. She continued dancing at San Francisco State University where she graduated with her B.A. in Dance in 2005. She is currently in the Master’s program in Exercise Physiology at SFSU. She has been dancing with Paco Gomes and Dancers since August 2005. Sarah Sandoval Sarah Sandoval received her B.A. from the School of Music and Dance as well as an award for Outstanding Performance and Choreography from San Francisco State University. In her native San Diego she worked with Teena Diggs and Debbi Toth. In addition to dancing with Paco Gomes and Dancers, Sarah is a member of the The McCarthy Dance Project. Caren Cadile Caren Cadile began dancing at an early age and continued to study dance at SFSU where she received a B.S. in Business Administration. As a member of eight unique dance companies, she has performed in Asia, Europe, and the US. As an artist-in-residence for the S.F. Arts Education Project, Caren taught dance at public schools and choreographed dances for their SummerArts musical theater productions. In addition to dancing with Paco Gomes and Dancers, Caren is currently choreographing and teaching modern and jazz dance to children at Brisbane Dance Workshop and rhythm tap dance to adults and children at Dance Mission. Caren extends much gratitude to Paco and all of her teachers for sharing their knowledge and love of dance. Diana Broker Diana Broker began dancing at a small studio in Atascadero, California. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from San Francisco State University in 2005. In addition to Paco Gomes and Dancers, she dances with Cathleen McCarthy and Mary Carbonara Dances. She is very grateful to be part of such a wonderful and eclectic dance community in San Francisco! Travis Roland Travis Rowland is a senior at SFSU and will be graduating in May 2007 with B.A. degrees in both Theatre Arts (Popular Theatre) and Dance (Performance & Choreography). He began his training in dance studying Hip Hop with Dee Meredith and Vanessa Andrada. In the future he plans on working in the public relations and performing arts fields. Travis presently dances as a company member with Paco Gomes & Dancers and Deborah Slater Dance Theater. Rachael Halladay Rachael is proud to be a founding member of Paco Gomes and Dancers. She is also a senior at San Francisco State finishing up her second bachelors in Theatre arts. Elizebeth Randall Elizebeth Randall graduated in 2003 with a B.A. in Dance from SFSU where she now works as a teaching assistant to professor Susan Whipp. She teaches ballet and modern dance to children and teens at public schools and studios throughout the Bay Area. In addition to this wonderful second season with Paco Gomes and Dancers, she enjoys performing with Dance Ceres, Davalos Dance Company, Deborah Slater Dance Theater and Liss Fain Dance. Elizebeth would like to extend her deepest gratitude and love to these incredible dancers who now feel like family, and to Paco, for the amazing experience of our travels to Brazil and for continuing to create such inspiring, beautiful work.