TDC: The New Dance Season on the Horizon
This past summer, SAEN had the incredible opportunity to bring our partnership with Tatiana’s Dance Center (TDC) to the main stage, through the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Maybe you remember the story; SAEN’s Program Director Emily Marino and Founder and Executive Director Sheana Stokes were amongst the thousands who joined together to represent and celebrate The Bronx and Harlem, and the overarching cultural legacy of Puerto Rican communities. Summer has since come to an end, but the work TDC is doing to foster creative expression is far from over. And as Fall rolls in, we here at SAEN thought we’d take this opportunity to call attention back to a collaboration that means so much.
TDC is more than a dance company - it’s a community of dancers dedicated to growth, self-improvement, and learning new ways to move through the world with confidence. And this year marks the first in TDC history that’s beginning with an officially established adult team of dancers 18 and older, ensuring the community continues to grow! With a myriad of new events and choreographers on the horizon, performers of different ages and levels will have equal opportunities to discover where their strengths lie and step into their own as dancers. To kick off the new season, TDC is hosting a dance pageant, where a Queen and Princess will be chosen to be the face of the company!
If this sounds up your alley, you’re in luck; enrollment onto a TDC team is currently open, and will remain so until October 31st. And when we say open, we mean it! Whether you’re between the ages of 10-18 looking to develop new technique and performance skills, or you’re an adult seeking an opportunity to try something new, there’s a place for you at TDC. You don’t need to be an expert, or have years of experience. All you need is a willingness to learn and a passion for performance!
“For TDC as a company, I hope to continue expanding our programs, reaching more families in our community, and creating opportunities for dancers of all ages and levels—including those who may have never thought dance was for them." -Tatiana
And we get it; this may be easier said than done. To enter any new space, especially for those without much experience, can feel incredibly daunting. But it’s important not to
let nerves stop you from indulging in the joy of learning! While initial feelings of intimidation are natural, at TDC, working to create an environment where every dancer feels comfortable learning at their own pace is a group effort. The ultimate goal is growth, fostered through the support of a community. The steps you learn, and the process through which you learn them, will result in so much more than a choreographed routine. The time you spend with TDC will instill discipline, commitment, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility that’s intrinsic to working closely with a team. These are invaluable skills that you’ll be able to carry with you long after you leave the studio.
“During their first few weeks at TDC, new students can expect to feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone.” -Tatiana
But of course, you’ll perform too. In culmination of hours of practice and effort, TDC takes part in several competitions and performances throughout the season. These opportunities allow students to show off everything they’ve learned, and put their newfound skills and confidence on display for an audience.
In fact on October 2nd, just one week from now, they take to the stage in Manhattan, at Candela Fridays. Here, they'll preform a prepared Salsa routine, and then Tatiana will teach a beginner Salsa class to anyone interested in learning! And then a week later, from October 9th-11th, they’ll be participating in the New Jersey Dance Extravaganza. These are only a couple of the exhibitions TDC has planned for the upcoming months, but they’ll certainly be enough to prove how the time and commitment the dancers pour into their passions pay off.
“Ultimately, my goal is for TDC to continue being a place where dancers feel seen, supported, challenged, and inspired." -Tatiana
TDC is an organization for dreamers. Anyone who has ever thought about dancing, being on a stage, or finding community in people with the same passions and commitment to bringing them to fruition, can expect to find a home amongst its dancers. To enroll in TDC is to embark on a new path, with confidence that you won't have to walk alone. Instead, you'll find a family who, even if they all come from different backgrounds, have found solace and unity in their shared love of dance.
So don't wait! Enrollment is only open through the end of October, and it'll be here before you know it. If you've been looking for a sign to engage in a lifelong dream, indulge in a private desire, or explore a new interest, consider this it! SAEN is extremely fortunate to be able to partner with such an incredible institution, and encourage any and all who may be interested to take the plunge and give TDC, and themselves, a chance.
“I want every dancer who comes through our doors to know that they belong, their dreams matter, and their journey is worth celebrating.” -Tatiana
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