This year for Selma High’s Los Paisanos has been new and full of possibilities. With the newly arrived dance teacher, the dance program is being reshaped. Mr. Rosas is excited to be in this position and is looking forward to many things this school year.
Victor Rosas is 49 years old. He was born in Fresno and grew up in Reedley, graduating from Reedley High School in 1993. Mr. Rosas’ education took place at Reedley College and Fresno City College and he danced at Fresno State. His mother began the Mexican Dance program at Reedley High School and continues to dance there, now in her 70s, going 35 years strong. Before teaching dance, Mr. Rosas was an insurance agent for 25 years. Previously, he worked at a dry cleaner in college, at a Burger King in high school, and delivered newspapers as a child.
Mr. Rosas chose teaching because he believes that teaching dance is “cut out” for him, “Teaching dance has been a part of my life for a very long time now,” expressed Mr. Rosas.
He chose teaching dance specifically because “dance is part of me.” Folklorico has been in his daily life for over 35 years. Mr. Rosas always had a passion for dance. Though his father urged him to play soccer, he wanted to dance instead. According to Mr. Rosas, he always swayed towards the arts and creativity.
He chose to teach in Selma “strictly because of Los Paisanos.” He loves our program and its strength.
“[SHS has] the strongest program in the area [and] the largest running program,” said Mr. Rosas. Mr. Rosas also chose Selma because our program is already set in place. He didn’t want to go somewhere else to create a new program, he just wanted to build on a pre-existing one.
“I love it here. I’m exhausted every day, but I go home happy [and] content,” said Mr. Rosas.
He is also very grateful for the staff’s warm welcome,
“Everyone is very supportive. I look forward to getting up in the morning and coming here,” said Mr. Rosas. Coming to school every day to teach dance is a fulfilling part of Rosas’ life.
“You guys are the absolute best part,” he says. Rosas believes that the best part of working at Selma High is his students. He is thrilled to get to know his students and watch them grow throughout the school year.
His biggest challenge currently is getting into the routine of being a teacher. keeping up with the many emails and meetings teachers must maintain pace with, along with ASB stuff has become his biggest struggle. Even through this hardship, Rosas knows that he can keep up, and pushes to do so every day. Looking ahead, Rosas is excited to perform with his students, as well as teach and elevate them. “…in all aspects, growing as people, growing as dancers, growing as students, and growing as a community,” said Mr. Rosas.
He plans to work on strengthening the program, and show them off in their performances throughout the school year.
“This program is super strong. I want to strengthen it more,” said Mr. Rosas.
Mr. Rosas wants his students to know, “I’m proud of you.” Not only for having a passion for dance and their culture but also for sharing it with others. He would also like fellow readers to know that he is thankful to all of Selma for being so welcoming and kind to him. He also would like to thank Los Paisanos’ assistant teacher, Mr. Garcia.
“I couldn’t have done it without him,” said Mr. Rosas.
