Araceli Almaguer

Araceli Almaguer was born in the city of Orange and raised in Santa Ana, California. Her father is from Mexico City, Mexico and her mother from Abasolo, Guanajuato, Mexico. Araceli is the oldest of two sisters. At the age of twelve Araceli began dancing at Saint Joseph Ballet Company, where she first found her passion for the arts. It was not only a second home for her growing up, but a place where she could express herself freely. At Saint Joseph Ballet she trained six days out of the week. She performed in several large community performances each year; including a professionally produced annual concert at Irvine Barclay Theatre. At Saint Joseph Ballet (SJB) she not only danced but continues to be a spokesperson for the company. In support of SJB's mission which is to: empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to strengthen self-esteem, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs. She spoke at several events including the 1996 Orange County Children's Summit, the first ever International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, Connecticut, and was profiled in a special report on Saint Joseph Ballet in The Los Angeles Times. She later went on to Santa Ana College where she continued to dance. Seeing her acting abilities where at a high standard, the Director of the Dance Department of SAC strongly suggested she pursue an acting/theatre career because of her strong stage presence and ability to dig deep into the emotion of the piece. After 3 years at SAC she moved to Los Angeles. She began studying with acclaimed acting teachers, Chick Venerra and Gary Imhoff at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Araceli can be seen in Scott Anderson's, Richard III and in Ugly Betty: "Zero Worship" episode where she played a real woman model.