Christina Ruiz Pastras was born in Philadelphia. She had a wonderful professional ballet and dance career working with Atlanta Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Gainesville Ballet and Marc Scott’s Dancers. Christina also performed in numerous industrial shows nationally and internationally as a backup dancer for Will Smith, Mariah Carey and Boys II Men. Christina holds a BFA in Dance Education from The University of the Arts and a Master’s in Education from Temple University. After an active performing career, Christina became a teaching artist training professional ballet dancers at The Rock School of Dance, as well as the Director of RockReach where she has advocated for the arts for thousands of children in the Philadelphia school system. Through her work with RockReach, Christina developed a partnership with the DEAEF Youth Dance Program, and then in 2018 began her role as Regional Manager of programs for Camden, New Orleans and Philadelphia.

Christina is honored to be a part of the DEAEF Youth Dance Program where she can help advocate for at-risk children and to provide them with a safe space, mentors and a feeling of accomplishment through a drug free lifestyle and dance.

During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and being a mother to their 4 beautiful children.