Contact: Judy Iannaccone September 16, 2005

Director, Communications FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (714) 480-7503

e-mail:

Liz Lira, the Rose of Salsa, Performs

at the Eighth Annual Chancellor’s Ball

Enjoy the Rhythm of the Night!

(Santa Ana)— Liz Lira, the Rose of Salsa, will add Latin rhythm and flavor to the eighth annual Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Chancellor’s Ball on Friday, October 14. One of the premier salsa instructors, dancers and choreographers in Southern California, Lira will take center stage at the Grove in Anaheim in support of the event raising funds for student scholarships at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College.

“I’ll be performing at the Chancellor’s Ball because children are our future,” said Lira. “They need these scholarships to pursue their dreams.”

Lira, a current Santa Ana College student, has won numerous national and international salsa dance competitions. Most recently, she won first place in All Americas Salsa Championships. Other accolades include 2005 Night at The Rio Salsa Contest Champion, 2004 Golden State Challenge International Latin Dance Champion, 2004 Puerto Rico Salsa Open World Champion to name a few. When she’s not performing, competing or teaching dance, she is likely producing dance videos, marketing her own line of dance shoes, acting in films or on TV or tackling choreography for films

Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Lira immigrated to the United States at the early age of eight. Making Southern California her new home, she embraced the art of dance and excelled in both ballet and jazz. For more than a dozen years, she trained at the most respected dance studios with top ballet coaches and traveled with her dance company Salsa Soleil, performing in front of thousands and on TV.

Although professionally trained in various forms of dance, including modern, lyrical and hip hop, it was not until 2001, at the age of 21, that she emerged onto the LA salsa scene. Her style quickly gained her recognition as one of the top female dancers in Southern

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California.

Although she presents an elegant style of salsa as her trademark, her dancing has been referred to as a fusion of graceful motion and explosive energy. Her outstanding teaching skills also made her a favorite among salsa students at establishments such as the Mayan and Conga Room.

Her projects continue to include overseas travel, shows, performances and choreography. All the while, she has not neglected to continue her college studies.

On October 14, guests for the black tie optional gala will arrive at The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella, in time to enjoy the 6 p.m. reception and silent auction. Dinner and entertainment get under way at 7:30 p.m. After Lira’s inspiring performance, guests can expect to dance to the Latin inspired sounds of Orquesta Caribe at 9 p.m. David Cruz, co-anchor with Channel 4 News, serves as the event’s master of ceremonies.

“My education at Santa Ana College has helped provide me dance instruction and has opened the door for me to explore different career paths,” said Lira.

Reservations for the Chancellor’s Ball are available for $175 per person; sponsorships range from $1,750 to $12,000. The ball’s major sponsors include GKK Education and Douglas E. Barnhart Construction Company, Inc. For more information, contact (714) 480-7500 or visit www.rsccd.org/cb05.

About the Rancho Santiago Community College District

Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College are public community colleges of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves the residents of Anaheim Hills, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin and Villa Park. Both colleges provide education for academic transfer and careers, courses for personal and professional development, and customized training for business and industry.

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