Luz Soliz-Ramos’ mission is to teach and preserve the Garifuna Arts and Culture. She has contributed to the Safeguarding of the Garifuna Language, Music, and Dance in New York City with a view to confronting the erosion of the Garifuna culture in the heart of modern-day communities.
Luz is the founder of the Bronx- based Garifuna Heritage Center for the Arts and Culture and Co-Choreographer & Artistic Director of the Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theatre, which was established as the Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Dance Company in 1992.
She was inspired by her teachers, including Lee Aca Thompson and Lavinia Williams- Yarborough, and her friend, Manuela Sabio, founder of the Wanichigu Garifuna Dance Company. Luz studied dance and drama at Bard College and now teaches at Boricua College. She has also taught for over a decade in New York City public schools. She the author of a language book, Learn Garifuna Now! And the children’s book Garifuna Pictionary.
