By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

March 31, 2011

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – For decades now, 78-year old Josefa Villanueva Reyes has taught ballet to young dancers.

Reyes  along with her now deceased husband Benjamin founded the Santa Clara Ballet in 1973…teaching kids not only to love ballet but to embrace it fully.

Co-Founder of Santa Clara Ballet, Reyes said, “Because they’re spending time, they have to use it well.  If they want to play, there’s always the playground.  But when they are in the classroom, they have to be mine…I have to have them 100 percent.”

Reyes actually started late in the world of ballet — beginning training when she was already in college at age 18.

But she caught up fast. She started training in the Philippines with legendary ballet teachers Roberta and Ricardo Cassell.  After she and Benjamin got married and moved to the U.S. with their growing family, the husband and wife performed as lead dancers with the San Francisco Ballet Celeste for four years.

“That is everybody’s goal — to reach the top. But with it also comes a huge responsibility — you do not own your own time.  Your time belongs to ballet.”

She says being on top has its rewards.

“You’re always in constant competition with yourself — you strive to get better and better. So in a way, it’s a way of life.”

Recently, the San Franciso-based Isabella Duncan Dance awards or the Izzies…honored Reyes with a Sustained Achievement Award, not only for sharing the teachings of classical ballet, but also for her beautiful choreography, and for providing opportunities for children and professional dancers.

“That’s why it’s rewarding. I feel you don’t have to be a big light.  You can be a small light in your own corner — but you shine.”

For more information contact Henni Espinosa at henni_espinosa@abs-cbn.com