Aura Jakiz Ortiz Franklin is a University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate in Art and Dance in 2016. She has been a dancer, teacher, and choreographer for over 10 years, and has worked with youth across the city of Boston. Her passion for dance began at the age of 8 where she trained with Boston Ballet. Aura later participated in the Alvin Ailey Camp and“Golden Kidz Inc,” a youth dance group, before attending Boston Arts Academy as a dance major. While at UMass Boston, Aura founded S.E.E.D. (Self Empowerment Encountered through Dance), which she then brought to the Boston community to increase the accessibility of dance for young professionals while promoting health and fun. Aura is excited to get back to teaching dance after becoming a mother, and hopes to grow alongside her students while having fun moving.
