Ambar Matos Ortiz | Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth

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Ambar Matos Ortiz, originally from Sabana Perdida, Dominican Republic, began dancing at age seven after relocating to Maryland. Her passion for dance was nurtured through training with the New Hope Youth Dance Company, Baltimore Ballet, City Dance School & Conservatory, and the POMS Dance Team at Flowers High School. During these formative years, she performed works by Alex Neoral, Oscar Hawkins, Anthony Burrell, Andrian Vincent James, Marie McNair, and Robert J. Priorie, which prepared her for acceptance into the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.

At Kaufman, Ambar performed pieces by renowned choreographers such as Nina Flagg, Hope Boykin,Micaela Taylor, d. Sabela grimes, and Toyin Sogunro. She also became immersed in the LA Street Dance community, attending classes, battles, and House sessions, mentored by Toyin Sogunro and K’niin. Additionally, Ambar has explored DJing and event curation to expand her artistic range.

Frequent visits to her family in the Dominican Republic inspire her goal of establishing a Community Arts Center in Santo Domingo for marginalized communities. Ambar’s choreographic work blends modern dance and street styles, with aspirations to present on global stages. Driven by her passion for dance and its transformative power, she aims to address generational barriers and traumas and overcome them by creating art that unites people across mediums.

Ambar Matos Ortiz - Photo by Lee Gumbs

Ambar Matos Ortiz - Photo by Becca Oviatt

Ambar Matos Ortiz - Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth