MISSION

To offer a diverse range of youth, many from economically challenged families, the opportunity to develop and practice discipline through the mental and physical training afforded by a rigorous holistic dance program.

To cultivate leadership skills and teamwork through training, structure, cultural education and positive role models.

To foster excellence through high expectations while balancing the demands of academic success with the methods of a disciplined rehearsal, training and performance program.

Founder/Artistic Director – Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez, M.Ed.

  • A trailblazer since she first learned to dance at 6 years old.
  • An original member of Garth Fagan’s “Bottom of the Bucket” Dance
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree in dance and elementary education, a master’s degree of Science in education and an Administrative Certification.
  • Began a career in education and soon recognized the value of dance as a vehicle to success.
  • Created Borinquen Dance Theatre in 1981.
  • After initially teaching adults and teenagers, Nydia soon realized her true mission to reach children at a younger age.
  • Began collaboration with the David Hochstein Memorial Music School in 1984 to teach Caribbean dance classes.
  • Former administrator with the Rochester City School District
  • One of only a handful of U.S. experts on the tradition of dance within Latin culture.

Board of Directors

  • Liliana M. Ruiz, Board Chair -City of Rochester, Director of Special Projects & Educational Initiatives, Office of Mayor Malik D. Evans
  • Nita Brown, Vice Chair – Founder & CEO Mansawear, International Mullti-lingual Business
  • Dominique Cottin, Treasurer – Xerox USA, Business Controller Two Business Divisions
  • Ingrid M. Gonzalez, Board Member – Educational Talent Search Brockport College & Career Advisor & CEO of Simply Delicious Treats
  • Denette M. Mitchell-Perez, Board Member – Wegmans Food Market, Agile Team Coach & Serum Master
  • Honorable Michael C. Lopez, Board Member– Rochester City Court Judge, Acting County Court Judge, Franklin H. Williams Commission
  • Fabian Maldonado, Board Member – Harris Beach PLLC Attorneys At Law, Manager of IT Operations

 

Honorary Board Advisors

Lana K. Ivy, Partner/ Attorney, Harris Beach PLLC

Yolanda Benitez, Wegmans Food Markets

Terri Trotta, Financial Advisor, Lincoln Investment

Jennifer Bean, CPA FreedMaxick CPA’s P.C.

Awards

Borinquen Dance Theatre has been the recipient of several awards including:

  • The national “Coming up Taller” award finalist from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities
  • The Arts and Cultural Council for Greater Rochester’s “Distinguished Cultural Organization of the Year”
  • The “Tony and Dee Spirit” awards
  • Memorial Art Gallery Art Award
  • Community Champions award finalist in arts and culture
  • RBJ Women of Excellence, 2019
  • The College at Brockport State University of New York Alumni Award
  • Woerner Kollmorgen Award
  • Excellence in Service Award, RCSD