Dance Dreams Are Coming True for Children in Brooklyn
$500,000 Awarded to The Stars of New York Dance by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to Expand Children’s Access to Dance Education and Training
May 13, 2024
Brooklyn, NY—Meet the Tiny Tots, Brooklyn’s newest dancers. They are among 250 children whose dance dreams are coming true through The Stars of New York Dance, thanks to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. As part of his Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding process, Leader Jeffries awarded The Stars of New York Dance $500,000 to expand access to dance education and training in Brooklyn to hundreds of children and youth. Approximately $2,000 will be provided for each child to cover their tuition, class uniforms, and dance costumes, allowing them to experience a year of dance education and training for free.
“The Stars of New York Dance is an incredible program that provides support for those young people throughout our community who have creative talent and brilliance, but just need to make sure they’ve been given the opportunity to nurture, develop, and showcase it. That is exactly what The Stars of New York Dance does. It is my honor to support this organization and I look forward to continuing to do so because of the amazing good that it does for our community,” said Leader Jeffries.
“We are so grateful to Leader Jeffries for his longstanding support, and for this incredible opportunity to reach hundreds of children and youth in the community, and provide them with a chance to dance and reach their full potential. Dance is a launchpad for children to discover their unique talents and abilities. Children need dance now more than ever and this award will allow young people to engage in their passion without putting a financial strain on their families,” said Cheryl Todmann, founder and executive producer of The Stars of New York Dance.
The Stars of New York Dance is contracting with reputable community-based dance organizations within New York’s 8th Congressional District, to deliver a comprehensive and engaging experience to young dancers, grades K-12, that includes learning a variety of dance styles, such as African, ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, and tap. The dance students will develop self-expression, creativity, coordination, discipline, and a sense of community and belonging.
For the Tiny Tots of Asase Yaa School of the Arts—one of the dance organizations The Stars of New York Dance is contracting with—many of them are dancing for the first time. They are learning about their bodies, how they move, and are making new friends.
"This is my first time dancing. My favorite style is hip hop, and I love doing cartwheels and being with my friends," said Zoey Griffith, age 6, who is enrolled in the Tiny Tots program and is learning African, ballet, and tap.
“This is Zoey's first dance experience, and she loves it," shared Zoey's mom Donna Miller. "I've watched her become more expressive and creative in everything she does. She wakes me up every Saturday morning and says, 'Mom, we have dance today!' Dance gives her a routine and is something fun that she looks forward to."
Founded in 2010, The Stars of New York Dance is known for its annual charitable, thrilling, and judged dance competition for New York City leaders that raises dance education funds for children and youth. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie A. Cumbo are among the 145 leaders who have participated in the danced competition. Former Essence Editor-in-Chief Susan L. Taylor, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Tony-Award Winning Choreographer George Faison are among the distinguished leaders it has recognized as Stellar Humanitarians. This year, The Stars of New York Dance will celebrate 15 years of transforming children's lives through dance.
Asase yaa school of the arts tiny tot zoey griffith