Juan Ventura

Fulbright-Trinity Laban Award in Music & Dance

Juan is a first-generation Salvadoran American, queer dance artist, and fourth-year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is passionate about research, performing arts medicine, and arts in health, especially regarding the utilization of dance/movement in those living with chronic conditions for improved physical and mental well-being.  

Juan's research experience includes investigating treatment-related outcomes in cancer patients and risk factors for adverse events in aging Mexican Americans, made possible through funding from the National Institutes of Health, Sealy Center on Aging, and the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program. Alongside his academic pursuits, Juan has danced with several dance companies including Open Dance Project, Noble Motion Dance, and Galveston Ballet, among others. He has also had the honor of performing in the Super Bowl LI Halftime Show with Lady Gaga.  

While at Trinity Laban, Juan will pursue an MSc in Dance Science where he will learn methods and techniques related to dance research and its applications. His project involves assessing dancers’ understanding of musculoskeletal injuries and providing informative workshops to empower dancers and promote safe practices for career longevity. Juan is eager to study abroad, experience the culture, and connect with other creatives and scientists.