Sidney "Dr. Dance" Grant
Founder & Executive/Artistic Director
“After all the isolation and ‘disconnect’ that children and families experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the unique ways in which we ‘connect’ classmates with one another is perhaps more important than ever before. Parents & educators continue to praise the ways in which the poise & politeness we impart to schoolchildren positively impacts their social/emotional learning. And because our methodology is non-competitive and inclusive, every child is a winner just for participating — regardless of popularity, ability or identity. Furthermore, considering all the conflict in our country, nothing is more noble than harmonizing relations among young people in their schools, and communities.”
TEACHING ARTISTS & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Zoe Julich
Senior Teaching Artist
Curriculum & Council Relations Manager
"I believe the future will be an even better place by giving kids the tools to become self aware and to value and respect their health and their relationships with all others. Partner dancing helped me learn those lessons in a profound way, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share what I have learned!"
Selena Carabello
Outreach & Special Projects Manager
“A decade ago, I was at a low point of my life and needed to find myself again. Dance unlocked a part of me that I suppressed many years ago. Dance is our personal self-expression. Imagine what kids can do if given the opportunity to learn about dance and other cultures, social skills, and the tools to boost their self-esteem. The opportunities are endless.”
Lynn Koehler
Finance & Operations Manager
Blurb and bio coming soon!
Sandra Costa
Bookkeeper
“Helping others has always been a passion for me and working at a nonprofit organization brings me gratification.”
Rikki Ziegelman
Media & Marketing Manager
"When I was in elementary school, being rejected from my school’s competitive ballroom dance team was a defining moment for me- even over 15 years later. It is extremely fulfilling to know that BALLROOM BASIX USA is dedicated to including all students and not pinning them against each other!"
Ruth Geye
Program Manager
Blurb coming soon!
Amanda Armenteros
Teaching Artist
“Partner dance is something new to me in my dance career and I am entirely grateful that I get to learn about it with a program whose core mission is to use it for the benefit of the city youth.
Susana Correa
Teaching Artist
"The emphasis on non-competitive dancing drew me to BBX, since I grew up dancing in non-competitive environments, building community and connecting with people. I know how much children and honestly, ALL OF US, thrive through a creative outlet and connection through art."
Mary DiMauro
Teaching Artist
"Working at BBX has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. Seeing students grow and connect with each other through partner dancing is amazing.
Constanza Soto
Teaching Artist
Blurb Coming Soon!
TEACHING APPRENTICES
Frida Mancilla
Teaching Apprentice
I believe that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. Dancing is a great way to start doing something that maybe you didn't think possible, and I love to see the good in people and inspire them to start trying. Dancing rules apply to life too.
Jayden Goldberg
Teaching Apprentice
I believe that exposure to non-competitive dance is extremely important to a child’s development. BBX provides this opportunity for many children to experience dance for the first time, specifically in a collaborative setting opposed to a competitive one. The highlight of my job is getting to watch students come out of their shell when dancing with their peers!