The Movement: A Powerful Overview You Need

MODULE 01. THE MOVEMENT BEGINS HERE

INTRODUCTION / WHO WE ARE.

SPHERA: The Movement is a South Florida-based creative collective.

It brings artists together through dance, film, performance, and shared experiences.

This is about sphera and the dancers.

From professional training and cinematic productions to live performances and community-driven experiences, SPHERA is an ever-evolving world.

This is about sphera and the dancers, and artists are encouraged to discover new possibilities.

Artists are encouraged to discover new possibilities, challenge expectations, and contribute to something greater than themselves.

MEET THE MISSION LEADERS.

Meet the passionate artists who are behind the movement.

Mika Santo

FOUNDER // ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Mika Santo is a South Florida-based choreographer, performer, and creative visionary with over 20 years of experience spanning concert and commercial dance, and is the Founder and Artistic Director of SPHERA: The Movement.

Rachel Abelenda

CREATIVE DIRECTOR // CHOME COLLECTIVE AND S-CREW

Rachel Abelenda is a Miami-based dancer, educator, and multidisciplinary artist with over 20 years of experience spanning contemporary, modern, hip-hop, and commercial dance, bringing a versatile approach rooted in musicality, technical precision, and artistic exploration.

Jade Mesa

CREATIVE DIRECTOR // CHOME COLLECTIVE AND S-CREW

Jade Mesa is a Miami-based multidisciplinary artist, dancer, and scenic designer whose creative practice bridges movement, visual storytelling, and design, bringing a collaborative approach rooted in artistic exploration, individuality, and meaningful community connection.


EVERY MOVEMENT HAS AN ORIGIN

BUILT FROM VISION. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE.

SPHERA was born from a desire to reimagine what it means to be part of a dance collective. Rather than following traditional company structures, the vision was to create a space where artists could pursue meaningful experiences without sacrificing their individuality or creative freedom. This approach supports the focus on about sphera and the dancers for readers seeking context.

Founded by choreographer and artistic director Mika Santo, SPHERA reflects a passion for bringing people together, creating ambitious artistic experiences, and opening doors for artists throughout South Florida.

What began as a vision for a different kind of artistic community has grown into a movement dedicated to creating space for the unexpected.


THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE MOVEMENT

EXPLORATION. CONNECTION. OPPORTUNITY.

At the center of SPHERA are three principles that shape everything we do.

EXPLORATION: encourages artists to step outside familiar territory, experiment with new ideas, and discover possibilities beyond their usual artistic practices.

CONNECTION: brings together individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, creating a community built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared passion for movement.

OPPORTUNITY: drives our commitment to providing meaningful artistic and professional experiences, giving artists the chance to develop their skills, expand their networks, and share their talents with new audiences.

Together, these principles create the foundation for a collective where every artist has something valuable to contribute.

BEYOND THE STUDIO. BEYOND THE EXPECTED.

We believe some of the powerful artistic experiences happen when, about sphera and the dancers, we step outside familiar environments.

SPHERA approaches movement as something that can exist anywhere, transforming unexpected locations into performance spaces, everyday environments into cinematic settings, and ordinary gatherings into opportunities for artistic exchange.

Through site-specific performances, conceptual films, community events, travel, and interdisciplinary collaborations, we aim to bring movement into new spaces and introduce audiences to experiences they may not encounter on a traditional stage.

For us, the world is more than a backdrop. It’s an endless source of inspiration and possibility.

THE NEXT CHAPTER IS OURS TO CREATE.

Launching its inaugural module in January 2027, SPHERA represents the beginning of a long-term vision for artistic growth, community development, and creative exploration throughout South Florida and beyond.

Our future isn’t defined by a single performance, project, or destination. It’s shaped by the artists who join us, the relationships we build, and the ideas we have yet to discover.

As SPHERA continues to evolve, so will our ambitions, our experiences, and the opportunities we create for the communities around us.

The mission is only beginning, and there’s an entire universe left to explore.


THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE MOVEMENT

EXPLORATION. CONNECTION. OPPORTUNITY.

At the center of SPHERA are three principles that shape everything we do.

EXPLORATION: encourages artists to step outside familiar territory, experiment with new ideas, and discover possibilities beyond their usual artistic practices.

CONNECTION: brings together individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, creating a community built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared passion for movement.

OPPORTUNITY: drives our commitment to providing meaningful artistic and professional experiences, giving artists the chance to develop their skills, expand their networks, and share their talents with new audiences.

Together, these principles create the foundation for a collective where every artist has something valuable to contribute.