Name: Eric Negron
Age: 19
Title: Choreographer
Affiliation: Became a member of KR3TS at the age of 10.

Eric Negron, age 19 from Spanish Harlem, is a perfect example of the ability and effectiveness that KR3TS has on its members. Eric's come a long way from back when he was 10 years old and first walked through KR3TS' doors. Most recently, he has earned the title of video and tour Choreographer for J Records, R&B Teen Superstar Mario, for whom he has choreographed his latest videos, "Boom" and "Here We Go", as well as his world tour.

Over the past couple of years, Eric's moves and articulate skill have also landed him a position as the lead world tour dancer for music icons such as both R&B songstress Beyonce, Destiny's Child and Missy Elliot. In addition, he has made noteable appearances in videos for Columbia recording artist Amerie ("One Thing"), MIssy Elliot ("Pop Dat Dis"), and rapper Rah Digga ("Party and BS"). Violet always knew his potential and because of it, she made sure he never gave up...for that he is eternally grateful.

"Every time I picture all of the things that I've accomplished, I think of Violet, for always pushing me to the limit when no one else would. She taught me about the entertainment business. She told me what to look out for and just how shady the business can be." says Eric about his former teacher from whom he learned every style of dance that he later incorporated into his own unique style of dance and Choreography that many have grown to love and appreciate.

The following excerpt as taken from a KR3TS review in Dance and Spirit magazine, October, 2001 issue: As Artistic Director of Keep Rising To The Top (KR3TS), Galagarza provides a safe haven for residents of her community. "When I was young, my so-called friends used to beat me up," says Negron, 15, who has been with the company for five years. "I have my priorities straight. I want to be a choreographer now. [Violeta] showed me what it really takes."

He would never have thought to go to a dance class if it wasn't for Galagarza's intervention; she invited him to join after spotting him dancing in the street. Marie Miranda, Negron's mother, sees the group as one of the most influential parts of her son's upbringing. "If it weren't for his dance group, I don't know where Eric would be," says Miranda, noting that many of the neighborhood kids drink, smoke, steal, and do drugs. "Violeta shows her group a positive way."

But now, in 2005, Eric still has the same drive and determination that he did back when he was 15. When asked what he sees for the near future he confidentally says, "I want to continue to teach dance, but in my own dance school. I also want to do a lot of artist development, and maybe sing." He admits that it was hard trying to establish a name for himself. "People in the music industry used to look down upon me, but now people are seeing my talent and I'm getting the respect I deserve." Eric's advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps is: "stay focused and don't let the negativity get to you...hard work pays off!"

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