PRESS KIT

MISSION

Borinquen Dance Theatre provides cultural opportunities to explore and celebrate intersectional Puerto Rican heritage through dance and the performing arts in greater Rochester and beyond. We cultivate high academic expectations through disciplined dance training, cultural enrichment, a strong work ethic, and leadership development.

For at-risk youth to live, share, and breathe culture while continuing to strengthen community vitality.

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

Borinquen Dance Theatre, Inc., through its culturally rooted art, empowers youth--including those who are underserved-- with a transformative blend of Puerto Rican heritage, Afro-Caribbean dance, discipline, and intercultural education.

Its legacy of choreographic work spans over four decades with proven impact. Borinquen Dance Theatre is not just teaching dance--it cultivates resilient leaders and vibrant cultural ambassadors.

HISTORY

A Brief History of Borinquen Dance Theatre – Now at Its New Home!

Borinquen Dance Theatre (BDT) was established in 1981 during the Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester, NY, when renowned choreographer Garth Fagan announced that his former dancer, Nydia Padilla-Rodríguez, would soon be offering dance classes. Rising to the challenge, Nydia began teaching folkloric dances such as Bomba and Plena, inspired by her Puerto Rican heritage. What started as a small initiative quickly evolved into a mission to empower Rochester’s youth.

Recognizing the need to address the challenges faced by city students, Nydia shifted BDT’s focus from adult classes to providing children and teenagers with opportunities to cultivate discipline, self-confidence, and a desire for success through the power of dance. Over the years, BDT has helped countless students develop academically, personally, and artistically.

A New Chapter at 1 East Avenue

After decades of hosting classes at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance and offering outreach programs in local schools, Borinquen Dance Theatre has entered an exciting new chapter by moving into its own dedicated space at 1 East Avenue in the heart of Rochester. This vibrant new home serves as a hub for creativity, culture, and community, offering students access to a professional dance environment that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and promotes personal growth.

BDT’s new location allows the organization to expand its programming and impact, fostering an inclusive space where students can explore their talents while building a strong sense of cultural identity. The central downtown location also strengthens BDT’s ability to connect with the Rochester community and reach even more students from diverse backgrounds.

A Legacy of Excellence

BDT’s achievements have earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious national “Coming Up Taller” award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and the “Distinguished Cultural Organization of the Year” award from the Arts and Cultural Council for Greater Rochester.
For over 40 years, Borinquen Dance Theatre has used dance as a transformative tool, empowering youth, celebrating Puerto Rican culture, and enriching the Rochester community. With its move to 1 East Avenue, BDT is poised to continue its mission and expand its legacy for generations to come.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Borinquen Dance Theatre (BDT): Empowering Youth Through Dance

Founded in 1981, Borinquen Dance Theatre (BDT) is a nonprofit organization in Rochester, NY, dedicated to empowering youth through the discipline of dance, cultural education, and academic achievement.

Impact on Education and Success

In the Rochester City School District, where the high school graduation rate hovers around 47.5%, more than 90% of BDT dancers graduate and pursue college or professional careers. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, fostering a strong connection between academic achievement and personal discipline. Senior performing group members receive a stipend, helping them develop time management, financial literacy, self-confidence, work habits, and essential soft skills for lifelong success.

Breaking Barriers

Hispanic and African-American children in Rochester face a poverty rate of 55-56%. Despite these challenges, BDT alumni have achieved success in diverse fields such as professional dance, medicine, marketing, and even sports promotion. Graduates have attended prestigious institutions, including Cornell University, SUNY Binghamton, and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Health and Wellness Focus

Amid a local obesity rate of 25% among adults and 15% among children, BDT emphasizes physical fitness and wellness. Students rehearse three days a week for two-hour sessions and are educated on nutrition and healthy living habits.

Diversity and Cultural Enrichment

As Monroe County's Hispanic population has grown by 60% since 2000, BDT plays a crucial role in celebrating cultural diversity. Students learn traditional Puerto Rican dances like Bomba and Plena, as well as modern, hip-hop, Latin jazz, Salsa and African Carib dance, fostering both artistic growth and cultural pride. BDT’s holistic approach to dance education and personal development transforms lives, building a brighter future for Rochester's youth.