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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/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!"
Lynn Koehler
Finance & Operations Manager
Bio 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.
Amanda Alch
Teaching Artist
As a kid, I was painfully shy and anxious. I struggled a lot with communication amongst my peers. However, having access to theatre and dance gave me tools that went beyond the classroom. I learned how to express myself in healthy ways, I made lasting friendships with kids who had similar interests, and I found a lifelong calling. I believe arts education for our youth is not just important, it is necessary. Art heals and transforms!
Alfredo Melendez
Teaching Artist/Program Module Manager
"I have been teaching partner dancing to students of all ages for 20 years. Most of my most cherished memories involve my work with school-aged kids. It’s funny, I have a BFA in film and that knowledge has helped me greatly with dancing. Knowing that BALLROOM BASIX™ focuses on empowering students in a safe non-competitive space makes it one that I am very proud to be a part of.”
Rikki Ziegelman
Media 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!"
Selicia Graham
Media Assistant
“I enjoy the mission statement of BALLROOM BASIX as a program that wants all kids to understand their artistic potential through dance and communication, as well as learn life skills that they’ll need forever.”
Kaia Parnell
Teaching Artist
The arts have always been a haven for me and dance allowed me to express myself in new and exciting ways. When I was introduced to partner dance in middle school, it allowed me glimpses into other cultures and social experiences. Plus it was just plain fun! That expression, broadening of the world, and joy is what I hope to bring to my work.
Azura Ramsay
Program Coordinator
"The beauty of BALLROOM BASIX is that it makes dance accessible to young communities that without the program would not be able to experience how impactful dance can be. BBX is able to transfer the skills that are found in a regular dance studio into important life skills for all students."
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.”
Sandra Costa
Bookkeeper
“Helping others has always been a passion for me and working at a nonprofit organization brings me gratification.”
Samantha Bajonero
Teaching Artist
Dance has always been a form or healing for me. I was so privileged to come across ballet and jazz at a very young age, and through that it gave me an identity and connection to the world around me. I’m thrilled to now have the opportunity to teach that and so much more through Ballroom Basix, encompassing a healthy positive environment for children to express themselves in.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patricia Ann Reubens
Board of Directors
Bernard Whitman
Board of Directors
Vivek Sakhrani
Board of Directors
Selena Lai-Carabello
Board of Directors
Talia Castro-Pozo
Board of Directors
Kenny George
Board of Directors
ADVISORY BOARD
Avi Ofrane
Advisory Board
Juliette Passer
Advisory Board
Sheron Davis
Advisory Board
Steve Wruble
Advisory Board
Dana Northcraft
Advisory Board
Yelena Patish
Advisory Board
