is a youth development organization using free dance classes and performance opportunities as a tool to instill in young women the leadership, pride, spirit of cooperation, creativity, joy and discipline needed to confront the adversity in their daily lives and throughout their future development. The program seeks to decrease teen pregnancy, truancy, crime, violence, prostitution, substance abuse and gang related activity by nurturing youth, building self-confidence, offering positive choices, and providing a safe place to go.
VISION
A dance studio as a safe and enduring space for girls to express themselves and discover their capacities in a stable environment
HISTORY
began with a vision that a dance center
could become a safe space where girls would discover
their potential. In June 1996 the organization’s
founder Abigail Rosin launched her first class with two
students at Loisaida, Inc., a community center on the
Lower East Side. In that first year, grew
to serve over 40 girls ages 7-14 with five classes per
week and seven volunteer teachers. In February 2001 opened its own studio in Spanish Harlem. In the
first half hour of registration 200 girls poured through
the door. This rapid growth clearly demonstrates the
need for this girl-specific activity.
In August 2002 Meredith Sherman
came on staff as Program Director. Through her efforts . is able to maintain 220 students,
22 classes a week and 21 volunteer teachers.
is driven
by volunteers who donate at least one hour each week,
48 weeks out of the year.
Click here to see our Board of Directors
Click here see our Volunteers' Bios |
 Photo Credits:
Top: K. Esteman
Mid: AE Fletcher
Btm: AB Swenson |
ACHIEVEMENTS
As self reported by the girls last year 33% showed improved grades, 20% got in trouble less in school, 35% report happier moods, and 21% found healthier ways to handle to conflict. 100% of the seniors graduated from High School.
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