Rhythm of Partnership: SAEN and TDC Take on the Puerto Rican Day Parade
- Liza Sophia
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
The sounds of salsa, reggaeton, cheers from the crowd, and waves of Puerto Rican flags transformed Manhattan into a vibrant celebration of culture and pride this past Sunday as the 69th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade made its way up Fifth Avenue. Stretching from 44th to 79th Street, the parade brought together thousands of performers, families, and community organizations in one of New York City's most cherished cultural traditions. Rooted in a rich heritage shaped by African, Taíno, and Spanish influences, Puerto Rican culture has given the world vibrant music, dance, art, and traditions that continue to thrive through generations. Among them was Tatiana's Dance Center (TDC), whose dancers—including SAEN Program Director Emily Marino and Founder & Executive Director Sheana Stokes—proudly represented The Bronx and Harlem, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and cultural legacy of Puerto Rican and Afro-Puerto Rican communities through movement and artistic expression.
Tatiana’s Dance Center is an organization a lifetime in the making. Its founder, Tatiana
Rosario, was born and raised in The Bronx and has been dancing since she was 9 years old, and teaching since she was just 13. When she founded her studio in 2018, it was with the goal of turning a lifelong passion into a place where students of all ages could “learn, grow, and express themselves”. Through salsa, bachata, and hip-hop, she takes pride in helping kids build confidence, and fostering an environment in which their creativity can blossom. And her two original teams, the Junior Team (10-14 year olds) and Fearless Gems (15-18 year olds), do just that. This past year however, the dream has grown. Tatiana introduced Con Clase [With Class], her first adult performance team. “I believe it's never too late to pursue your passion. No matter our age, we all deserve the opportunity to express ourselves through dance and continue doing what we love.” Last weekend Con Clase, performing as a group for the second time, proved the truth behind Tatiana's words. If you were at our Karaoke Fundraiser in April, you may have witnessed this partnership in full force through the magnetic debut performance of Con Clase. Tatiana put on and performed in a fantastic show, all while pregnant, proving the sheer limitlessness of passion.
The collaboration between TDC and SAEN is a long-standing one, and originated through our Program Director Emily Marino. When her daughter Jaelene was six years old, Emily enrolled her in classes at TDC. This decision came after years of passion, a childhood spent learning choreography from music videos on MTV and BET, and dreams of pursuing dance more seriously. In high school, Emily was on both the step team and dance team. When she became a mother and wanted to share her passion with her daughter, TDC gave her that chance. She was able to help Jaelene and her team with costumes, hair and makeup, and accessories, as well as getting to witness her daughter grow into something that meant, and still means, so much to her; “Being part of Jaelene's dance journey and supporting TDC has been both rewarding and inspiring.” And when Tatiana began Con Clase, she opened yet another door; Emily was able to join, stepping into a space built specifically for adult dancers to live out their childhood MTV dreams. What began as a form of connection between mother and daughter has blossomed into an incredible relationship between two organizations of dreamers.
This is also how TDC became a part of the life of SAEN’s founder, and Jaelene’s godmother, Sheana Stokes. Sheana has been dancing her entire life; some of her earliest memories consist of dancing alongside her mother Sparkle and other members of her family and friends at community events in the Bronx. Over the years, she attended Jaelene’s performances and helped TDC grow through sponsorships with Shhhh Life, the Lifestyle division of SAEN's parent company Shhhh World. This sponsorship helped fund things like t-shirts and participation in parades. When Tatiana launched Con Clase, Sheana says joining was an easy decision. It was the chance to take part in something she’d always dreamed of doing: “Tatiana has built something truly special. Her patience, discipline, and encouragement have impacted generations of dancers and families. Dance has always been a source of joy, confidence, and connection for me, and I'm thankful to have returned to it through TDC while helping strengthen the partnership between TDC and SAEN.”
The performance was the result of months of rehearsals, dedication, and teamwork. Dancers from the Junior Team, Fearless Gems, and Con Clase demonstrated tremendous discipline and professionalism throughout the parade. Behind the scenes, parents, family members, and volunteers played an essential role in making the day a success. Yomarie Rodriguez, whose daughter Javielyz dances with Fearless Gems, served as lead coordinator, while Tatiana's son Mikey —a longtime TDC dancer, choreographer, and mentor—helped guide the group through parade logistics and formations. Together with supportive parents who provided water, coordinated breaks, and cheered the dancers on, they embodied the strong sense of community that defines TDC.
The parade was just one highlight in an already successful season for the organization. TDC's competitive teams have earned First Place finishes at the Six Flags Dance Competition and a Second Place finish at the Tri-State Dance Festival, where they will return to compete June 19–22. The season will conclude with TDC's Annual Dance Recital on June 27th, celebrating another year of growth, achievement, and the power of dance to bring people together.
TDC's open enrollment returns this September for both youth and adult dancers. Whether you're looking for a place to dance, grow, and perform, or seeking creative and professional development opportunities through SAEN's Bootcamps and Readiness Program, there's a place for you in our community. As TDC prepares for the Tri-State Dance Festival and its Annual Dance Recital on June 27th, your support makes a difference. Consider attending the recital, making a donation, or sharing their story to help empower the next generation of dancers and artists.
Photo Credits: Yomarie Rodriguez
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