Founders

Alfonso "Poncho" Meraza, Founder and Artistic Director was born in San Jerónimo de Juárez, Guerrero, Mexico. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Mexican Arts and Dance from the Instituto de la Danza Mexicana in Acapulco, Alfonso traveled to Mexico City where he earned the coveted position of Principal Soloist, with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández, one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world. For 9 years he performed at the historic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and toured world-wide. In 2019 he moved to Denver, Colorado after marrying the love of his life and partner of ArtistiCO, Jose Rosales. He Imparts a unique approach to artistic expression through the integration of classic and contemporary ballet techniques and Latin dance, with an emphasis on Mexican folklórico.

​Jose “Chepe” Rosales, ArtistiCO Founder and Executive Director, is a trailblazing millennial community leader with a passion for the performing arts and cultural advocacy fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit. As a community collaborator he partners with Colorado’s most prominent cultural leaders and organizations to bring unique and multicultural programming to Denver’s diverse landscape. His professional expertise in the public and nonprofit sectors has transcended his many accomplishments as a business entrepreneur, dancer, dynamic project manager, nonprofit expert and producer. He is most proud of his dance career as one of the few U.S. born Principal Soloist in the world-renowned Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez where he toured North America, Latin America and Europe for five years. Jose was recently awarded the 2021 EY New Wave Leadership Award from Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. He was appointed to serve on the Executive Council of the Denver County Cultural Council of the SCFD. Jose earned his master’s degree in Development and Program Management from the University of Denver and his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in Ethnic Studies and Dance. Jose is excited to be creating a cultural revolution through ArtistiCO with the love of his life Alfonso.