When Ashley Cruz stepped onto the Super Bowl halftime stage, millions watched–but few knew the years of dedication leading to that moment. From dancing the most-watched halftime show to date, her story trails through dance studios to one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
The 2026 Super Bowl performance is the most-watched halftime show in history. The show broke records and redefined history, but many wonder what it was like to make this show possible; who was involved, and what was the process? Ashley Cruz, choreographer of LMU’s 2026 Senior Industry showcase and professional dancer, was one of many who stunned the San Francisco football field performing in the Super Bowl halftime show onstage with Bad Bunny. She sat down with the Lion to formally share her experience of the show and what it took to make it happen.
Making way to the Super Bowl
Growing up in New York, Cruz started her journey being influenced by her family’s love for music. “I always grew up listening to music in the house and seeing [my mom and aunt] dance.” From neo-soul to R&B, house music to salsa, Cruz was surrounded by diverse music from a young age. Eventually, she reached an age where she wanted to take dance classes. As a single mom, her mother didn’t have the funds for paid dance courses, but Cruz was able to train at a non-profit in the Bronx. Through humble beginnings in the dance community, she made her way to performing in music videos and choreographing, propelling her skills and career.
When Cruz got the call from the halftime show auditioners, she “was floored.” “Whether it had anything to do with me or dance in general, the moment was its own,” and from there, Cruz recognized she was part of something bigger. Cruz mentioned how Super Bowl artist Bad Bunny stays true to his Puerto Rican roots through performing with dancers from the island, and although Cruz is Puerto Rican, she wasn’t born on the island or lives there. So when she found out she landed the role, Cruz said it really blew her out of the water. “This would be the first time that I get to represent where I’m from, where my family is from. For the first time in my 10-year career.”
When asked about the training process, Cruz felt right at home being around so many Latinos and Afro-Latinos. Cruz also has a history with Charm La’Donna, a highly respected choreographer from Compton and the lead choreographer behind the halftime show. “I’ve been working with Charm for almost eight years. She is a big part of my journey, so to have this moment with her was really, really big for me”. Composers like Charm La’Donna, Jovanni Soto, and Karina Ortiz–who all worked on the halftime show–have spearheaded historical work in the modern dance industry, yet their names often go unrecognized by the public. Cruz reminds us to give choreographers the respect they deserve by recognizing their incredible work.
The Performance
Something that Cruz will never forget is seeing the props come to life during the show. We see abuelos playing Dominoes, a simple bodega, and even a cart of Piraguas. These things may go unnoticed to the average eye, but to Cruz and other Latin Americans, this hit home. “[This is] a part of my culture. Seeing these things in such a limelight, the elders playing Dominoes, like this was just a normal day in the Bronx in the summer, or a normal summer day in Puerto Rico. They hit home for me.”
Millions of people watched the Super Bowl, and millions of people got a look into Puerto Rican culture. Rather than cracking under the pressure with that many eyes on her, Cruz flourished:
“Being 10 years in the industry, and almost 30, [I’ve been] having a lot of quiet time and really, really connecting with who I am as a woman– as a Black woman, as a Latin woman, and who I am as an Afro-female woman, I think [the performance] being now, it just felt right.”
The Super Bowl performance stirred up some controversy in the country; some feel like the performance, which was Latin-based and sung in Spanish, is not relevant to the U.S. Cruz reminds us that Puerto Rico is a part of the United States.
“There’s a lot of ignorance because [Puerto Rico is] a Spanish-speaking island, we’re a tiny island, we’re a mighty island. That is something I hope was understood: we are a part of America. We are a part of this country, and we matter. All of the other islands and places that look like us and sound like us, they are our cousins, like the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Chile–we are all brothers and sisters, no matter where we’re from.”
The Afterglow
Cruz labels her Super Bowl performance as “a pinnacle” in her career. “I don’t think there’s going to be anything that can compare to this moment. This is an incomparable moment. This is a stand-alone moment, and I’m not going to do myself the service of trying to top this moment or try to even relive it.” Cruz emphasizes the show deserves “the honor and respect that it’s getting” along with the visibility, which is “the most important.”
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show inspired countless people across the country and the globe, including children who are on their way to making their mark in the world. When asked what she would say to the youth if given the opportunity, Cruz says, “I would reiterate what Benito said. He got here dreaming. I got here dreaming, betting on myself and [him] betting on himself. So please, please, let this be a reminder for you.”
There’s no doubt this show wasn’t historical; through powerful songwriting and intentional performance, Bad Bunny and his team were able to touch the hearts and minds of people worldwide. It’s clear the intention of the show was not only a tribute to the artist’s home, but a reminder of unity and cultural respect. The show represented a peak in Cruz’s career, brought in individuals she deeply cares about, reinforced her cultural representation, and solidified her love for dance. She came out of the experience a different person, someone who is more aware of her culture and identity, and a pioneer who rocked the world on a historical level. Her story stands as proof of how art, identity, and purpose can come together to shift the world.
“It was a big honor. It was a really huge honor,” said Cruz.
