Elvia Marta

Elvia Marta is a native of Panama and was inspired to start dancing by her first dance teacher and mentor, Yvonne McClung at age 19. She has had the privilege to perform with many artists, musicians, and dance companies including Mongo Santamaria, Roberta Flack, and the San Francisco Opera Ballet. Elvia’s Jazz dance classes have inspired many students, teens and adults alike, by displaying commitment, dedication, passion and hard work. She embraces and respects her students as individuals, and shares her love, emotional and spiritual self with them. She encourages her students to develop their personal gifts and find their own voice.

Elvia was the director of dance at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, where she retired in 2016 after 34 years of service, and was a recipient of an "Izzie” (Isadora Duncan) award for lifetime achievement in 2001.