The Santa Cruz County Arts Commission has named dancer, choreographer and educator Janet Rachel Johns as the 2025 Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year. The award recognizes over 45 years that Johns has spent bringing the power of the arts to the county community.
Johns began learning folklórico, traditional Mexican folk dance, at age 18 as a student at San Jose State University. Her mentor, Ramon Morones Ortiz of Guadalajara, Mexico, taught her the importance of preserving folklórico’s authentic steps, style and choreography. After graduating, the bilingual educator brought her love for dance to Watsonville in 1978, where she co-founded Esperanza del Valle. At the time, it was the only adult folklórico dance company in Watsonville, and it has since trained hundreds of performers.
Johns has volunteered in the Santa Cruz County arts scene for over 40 years. She is currently serving on the commission supporting the arts in Watsonville. Her Esperanza del Valle performing company is a partner with the Watsonville Center for the Arts. She is also a founding member of the Watsonville Film Festival.
She has received numerous awards and accolades, including a proclamation from the mayor and City of Watsonville in 2020 for her work with Esperanza del Valle; the Watsonville City Council Mayor’s Award in 2014; a Gail Rich Award in 2002 for her community service in the arts; and a Calabash Award in 2001 for Excellence in the Ethnic Arts. She’s also proud of her son, Gabriel Johns Robledo, who now teaches folklórico and drama at Pajaro Valley High School.
The Artist of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts and substantial contribution to the county’s cultural enrichment. A free profile performance is set for May 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College, with admission free to the public. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; advance tickets are not available. To learn more about the award, visit www.scparks.com.
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