Dance to Empower
Why do we do it?
DANCE TO EMPOWER
DTE aims to break down barriers and create a space where each individual can explore their creativity, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging. Dance should not be limited by socioeconomic or cultural boundaries; rather, it should be an inclusive medium that celebrates all backgrounds and abilities, offering young people a pathway for personal growth, emotional resilience, and community connection.
Letter from Executive Director
Hello all,
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I’m Leilani, the founder and executive director of Dance to Empower. I have been dancing for over thirteen years, and have been fortunate to be accepted in intensives at internationally esteemed institutions with merit scholarship such as the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Royal Ballet School, and American Ballet Theatre. This summer, I attended the Stuttgart Ballet (John Cranko School) Summer Intensive. I am currently a rising senior at Choate Rosemary Hall. I am excited, along with Cindy, to present DTE. As a teacher, I nurture my student’s passion for dance while also focusing on balance. My passion stems from watching them dance with pure joy, being able to use what I have and sharing this art with those who might not otherwise have the chance means far more to me than I ever thought.
Truly all our best,
Leilani
Vision
DTE is the largest dance empowerment NGO in Connecticut, with 1000+ connections and dozens of resources for our students.
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Youth-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
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Founded in 2022—dedicated to helping underrepresented youth gain exposure to the arts through free dance lessons and empowerment souvenirs.
Why should we care?
The Issue at Hand
Dance has historically been an exclusive art form, demanding significant physical and financial investment, and has often lacked diversity. This exclusivity restricts underrepresented youth from accessing the many benefits dance provides, from building physical health to developing self-expression and emotional resilience. DTE believes that the lack of diversity and inclusivity indicates a missed opportunity of personal growth and self-discovery. When we limit access to dance, we not only deny individuals a creative outlet, but also perpetuate social inequalities, reinforcing a cycle where only certain backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive in the arts. DTE cares about this issue because we believe that creating an accessible, welcoming dance community means nurturing a generation of young people who feel confident, connected, and capable of contributing their unique voices to the world.