Jehoshaphat "JepStar" Jacinto

Empowering Communities Through Dance

Executive Director – Create The Space Initiative Inc.

Program Coordinator – Prodigy Cultural Arts Program

Board Member – Dance Tampa Bay

Jehoshaphat "JepStar" Jacinto is a Tampa-based community advocate, educator, and cultural ambassador specializing in Hip Hop and Funk street dance styles. As the Founder and Executive Director of Create The Space Initiative Inc., Jep leads programs focused on preserving street dance culture, providing free education, community-building workshops, and cultural exchange initiatives. He also serves as a Program Coordinator with the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, mentoring youth through hip hop arts education in Hillsborough County.

Jep’s expertise in Popping, Locking, and Freestyle Hip Hop is backed by years of experience teaching, performing, and fostering inclusive dance spaces. He founded DisFunktionals Tampa, a free weekly street dance program hosted at the University of South Florida (USF), offering dancers of all levels a place to build skills and community.

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Community Engagement

Classes Taught

Empower Through Dance

Dance is more than just movement—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and personal growth. Through street dance, individuals discover their voice, build resilience, and connect with a community that uplifts and inspires.

Cultural Exchange Programs

Beyond movement, cultural exchange is about storytelling, history, and identity. It’s about recognizing the struggles, triumphs, and innovations that have shaped dance cultures globally. By participating in these programs, dancers become ambassadors of cultural preservation, ensuring that the traditions and values of street dance continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Arts Advocacy

The arts are a vital part of culture, education, and community, shaping the way we express ourselves and connect with the world. Arts advocacy is about ensuring that artistic expression—especially in underrepresented forms like street dance—is recognized, supported, and integrated into educational, cultural, and public spaces.

Community Workshops

Community workshops are at the heart of what we do, providing accessible spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn, create, and grow through dance. These workshops serve as more than just dance classes—they are platforms for education, mentorship, and cultural exchange that strengthen the bonds within our community.

Cultural Projects and Initiatives

Empowering communities through dance, education, and cultural exchange.

Dance Workshops

Our dance workshops provide an immersive experience in street dance culture, blending movement education with creative expression. Participants learn foundational dance techniques, freestyle skills, and performance confidence while exploring the historical and cultural significance of street dance. Led by experienced instructors and guest artists, these workshops foster an inclusive space for dancers of all levels to grow, connect, and express themselves authentically.

Community Building

Beyond movement, our programs cultivate a strong sense of community by uniting individuals through dance and cultural initiatives. We collaborate with schools, local organizations, and community centers to create inclusive spaces where people can learn, share, and grow together. Through mentorship programs, group projects, and public events, we aim to build lasting connections that extend beyond the dance floor.

Arts Advocacy

We champion the power of the arts as a vehicle for education, creativity, and social impact. Through interactive programs, public engagements, and partnerships, we advocate for the recognition and inclusion of hip-hop culture in academic and community spaces. Our goal is to inspire the next generation by ensuring that urban dance and artistic expression are respected, supported, and accessible to all.

Cultural Exchange

Dance transcends borders, and our cultural exchange initiatives celebrate the diversity of movement traditions worldwide. By bringing together artists from different backgrounds, we foster a deeper appreciation for the unique histories and styles of street dance. Whether through workshops, performances, or community dialogues, we create opportunities for dancers to engage with global perspectives, broadening their understanding of dance as a universal language.

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