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Native Nuyorican. Poet, actor, tap dancer, essayist, playwright, activist, and social worker.
1997 graduate of the renowned High School of the Performing Arts, with a degree in theatre.
In 1998, at State University of New York at Geneseo, valentin founded Inner Rhythms Poetry Theatre Troop, now in its sixth year. Proud beneficiary of the Equal Opportunity Program at SUNY Geneseo.
From 2000-2003, his work has been featured in Mint Magazine and the English Annual, publications based in Geneseo, New York. Also, in Geneseo, in 2002, founded "House of Tribes" at the town's historical Bank Street Bagel Cafe, an on-going series of open mics and featured performers. In 2003, he graduated from the college with two bachelors in Black Studies and English Literature.
Since December 1999, valentin has volunteered at A Gathering of the Tribes, a mulitcultural arts organization based in NYC, where he has hosted an open mic and a featured presentation.
From Jan.- May '04, valentin led a creative writing workshop for foster teens at MercyFirst in Bayridge, Brooklyn.
Last spring, at Columbia University, he was one of four co-founders of "Night of Creative Practice" a performing arts showcase for social work grad students.
Also last April, he performed at & hosted an open mic at Fordham University during Hip Hop Awareness Week. In May, valentin was invited to carreer day at (Former) Colored School No.3, an elementary school in Brooklyn, NY, to discuss social work, perform his poetry and lead a small excercise, for classes in grades 3, 5 and 6.
Currently, valentin is earning a Master of Science in Social Work at Columbia University School for Social Work, and resides in Lower East Side of Manhattan, NYC, where he was also born and raised.
Theatre Training:
5 years of Acting New York City: New Federal Theatre;
High School of Performing Arts;
American/British Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Dance Training:
3. 5 years of Rhythm Tap New York City: Broadway Dance Center;
New Dance Group Center;
Manhattan Motion.
Geneseo, NY: Genesee Valley Dance School.
1 year of African Dance SUNY Brockport:
Sankofa African Dance & Drums Ensemble