STAFF & TEACHING ARTISTS

Mayela Carrasco, Artistic Director e. mayela@locoblocosf.org
Jose Carrasco, Managing Director e. jose@locoblocosf.org
Cesar Cruz, Program Coordinator
Shaneeka Akemi Smoot, Lead Choreographer
Tico Dos Santos, Percussion Instructor
Tiombe Wiley, Dance Instructor / Principal Dancer
Carina Castillo, Costume Specialist / Designer / Stilt Dancing Instructor
Aimee Z, Stilt Dancing Instructor

JOSE CARRASCO is a co-founder and original Executive Director of Loco Bloco. He has devoted over 30 years to serving Brown and Black youth and their families through cultural arts and wellness programs. Before returning to lead Loco Bloco in 2020, Jose also served in leadership positions at community serving organizations around the Bay -  Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, Be the Change Consulting, Central American Resource Center and Youth in Arts. 

CESAR CRUZ works with Loco Bloco and Willie Brown Middle School. He is a first generation Pocho-Xicano. Cesar works as a community organizer in various communities with the goal of uplifting and empowering Black and Brown youth. He also loves music and helping others, so this space helps fulfill his passion.

CARINA CASTILLO is a long-time member, Carina joined Loco Bloco at the beginning, and navigated her way though dancing in the kids section, stilt-walking, and dancing as a core ensemble member and Passista. Through her travels to different Carnivals in the Caribbean and Brazil, she found her passion in costume design, and has brought that back to Loco Bloco as our Costume Specialist. Carina is passionate about the community and looks forward to continuing her journey into the future of Loco Bloco.

MORE BIOS COMING SOON…