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 youth to live, share, and breathe culture while continuing to strengthen community vitality, navigating through barriers that might put them at risk.
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
Borinquen Dance Theatre welcomes all races, genders, and people with socioeconomic barriers as students, dancers, and company and audience members.
Borinquen Dance Theatre is a community-rooted cultural organization
Borinquen Dance Theatre is committed to sharing the complexity of Puerto Rican culture.
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.