Victoria Eugenia Santa Cruz Gamarra (27 October 1922 – August 30, 2014)[1] was an Afro-Peruvian choreographer, composer and activist.

[6] At an early age, Victoria Santa Cruz was introduced to the fine arts, having come from a household full of black artists and musicians.

[7] This early on exposure to the fine arts led Victoria Santa Cruz to create and participate in musicals like Malató,[8] which would later on embody one of her lifelong goals of "self-discovery and recuperation of culture based on internal rhythm and what she called ancestral memory.

"[10] In addition to this, Santa Cruz was quoted as saying "obstacles play an important role" in regards to the racism she experienced in her lifetime.

The importance of these performances highlights the "recovery, creation, and recreation" of dying rhythms such as "the zamacueca, the landau and the alcatraz".

[7] Victoria Santa Cruz first attended the Université du Théâtre des Nations École Supérieur des Études Chorégraphiques at the age of 42 (1961-1965), where she studied theater and choreography "with such distinguished professors as the actor Jean-Louis Barrault, the playwright Eugène Ionesco, and the choreographer Maurice Béjart.

"[7] While studying at the university in Paris, Cruz continued to demonstrate her interest to reclaim the loss of her cultural and ancestral memory by visiting Africa for the first time and creating the ballet La muñeca negra (The black doll, 1965)[4] Malato (1961) - Musical/Play Malato is a three act musical which showcased the relationship between the enslaved and their oppressor that was removed from the Pervian history of slavery.

The term, as described by Victoria Santa Cruz, means "mix of Spanish and black things," which makes reference to her identity.

The artist is also known for these lyrical and rhythmic performances/recreations: La Magia del Ritmo (2004) - theater/play/musical performance La Magia del Ritmo is a performance and rhythmic song presented by Victoria Santa Cruz in 2004, as part of the Peruvian Japanese theatric play.

The artist's intent was to create a lively experience and connection amongst listeners/viewers by infusing theatrics with cultural and rhythmic music.

- Con Victoria Santa Cruz y Gente Morena (released October 2, 2015), includes her song Las Lavanderas.

- Victoria Santa Cruz: Orgullosa Afro Peruana (released May 11, 2016) and includes her biggest hits like Cumanana, La Buñolera, and Pa' Goza Con el Ritmo del Tambo.