OUR MISSION

Borinquen Dance Theatre provides cultural opportunities to explore and celebrate intersectional Puerto Rican heritage through dance and the performing arts in greater Rochester and beyond. We cultivate high academic expectations through disciplined dance training, cultural enrichment, a strong work ethic, and leadership development.

OUR VISION

For youth to live, share, and breathe culture while continuing to strengthen community vitality, navigating through barriers that might put them at risk.

OUR VALUES

Borinquen Dance Theatre welcomes all races, genders, and people with socioeconomic barriers as students, dancers, and company and audience members.

Borinquen Dance Theatre is a community-rooted cultural organization

Borinquen Dance Theatre is committed to sharing the complexity of Puerto Rican culture.

OUR HISTORY

A Brief History of Borinquen Dance Theatre – Now at Its New Home!

Borinquen Dance Theatre (BDT) was established in 1981 during the Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester, NY, when renowned choreographer Garth Fagan announced that his former dancer, Nydia Padilla-Rodríguez, would soon be offering dance classes. Rising to the challenge, Nydia began teaching folkloric dances such as Bomba and Plena, inspired by her Puerto Rican heritage. What started as a small initiative quickly evolved into a mission to empower Rochester’s youth.

Recognizing the need to address the challenges faced by city students, Nydia shifted BDT’s focus from adult classes to providing children and teenagers with opportunities to cultivate discipline, self-confidence, and a desire for success through the power of dance. Over the years, BDT has helped countless students develop academically, personally, and artistically.

A New Chapter at 1 East Avenue

After decades of hosting classes at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance and offering outreach programs in local schools, Borinquen Dance Theatre has entered an exciting new chapter by moving into its own dedicated space at 1 East Avenue in the heart of Rochester. This vibrant new home serves as a hub for creativity, culture, and community, offering students access to a professional dance environment that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and promotes personal growth.

BDT’s new location allows the organization to expand its programming and impact, fostering an inclusive space where students can explore their talents while building a strong sense of cultural identity. The central downtown location also strengthens BDT’s ability to connect with the Rochester community and reach even more students from diverse backgrounds.

A Legacy of Excellence

BDT’s achievements have earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious national “Coming Up Taller” award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and the “Distinguished Cultural Organization of the Year” award from the Arts and Cultural Council for Greater Rochester.
For over 40 years, Borinquen Dance Theatre has used dance as a transformative tool, empowering youth, celebrating Puerto Rican culture, and enriching the Rochester community. With its move to 1 East Avenue, BDT is poised to continue its mission and expand its legacy for generations to come.

Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez: A Legacy of Leadership, Education, and Cultural Empowerment

Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez is a dynamic educator, arts leader, and community advocate whose career spans over four decades of service to Rochester and beyond. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Borinquen Dance Theatre, Inc. (BDT), Nydia has dedicated 43 years to fostering cultural pride, discipline, and life skills in urban and at-risk youth through the transformative power of dance.
Under her leadership, BDT has become a beacon for Latino arts and education, blending the rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rico—Taino, African, and European influences—with modern techniques. The organization has touched the lives of thousands of youth, offering programs that combine rigorous dance training with essential life lessons in teamwork, leadership, and academic achievement. Many BDT alumni have gone on to successful careers in the arts, education, and community leadership, citing Nydia's mentorship as pivotal in their journeys.
Beyond BDT, Nydia has an extensive career in public service and education. She served as an administrator implementing strategic programming that engaged colleges and universities, community organizations, and businesses for the Rochester City School District, leading initiatives to improve student outcomes and community engagement. Her efforts focused on equity, cultural competence, and creating pathways for student success.
Nydia's professional journey also includes work with community development organizations and collaborations with local and national institutions to promote arts education. Her visionary leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including awards for cultural preservation, youth development, and civic engagement.
A tireless advocate for the arts, education, and social justice, Nydia continues to inspire through her dedication to empowering young people, fostering cultural understanding, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

PRESS KIT

DOCUMENTARY

GALLERY

Jayme Bermudez
Assistant Artistic Director,
Borinquen Dance Theatre
Community Volunteer Award Recipient
Adjunct Professor at Nazareth University

Jayme Bermudez, an artist specializing in Dance and Theater from Rochester, NY. He has dedicated his career to working with underrepresented communities, particularly at-risk youth with limited access to the arts. Through the power of theater and dance, he aims to raise awareness about social issues and help students express themselves through the arts. Currently serving as the Assistant Artistic Director at Borinquen Dance Theater he has played a key role in developing new programs, creating innovative dance pieces, and building community connections.

His projects include the following:

The Liberty Project, a collaboration with the City of Rochester and Monroe Community College, which focused on the liberation of the African Diaspora.
"Peter and The Wolf" as "Pedro and The Wolf," in partnership with the City of Rochester and Geva Theater, infusing Latinx music themes and instruments to promote inclusivity in the beloved story.

Wizard of Oz at Geva Theater, where he served as Associate Director and Associate Choreographer, featuring a diverse LGBTQIA+ cast in a reimagined production.
He is actively involved in Geva Theater's community engagement committee, where they strive to find innovative ways to connect with the surrounding communities through captivating events that are related to our shows.

Blackfriars Theater on their production of Once on This Island, where he served as the choreographer and Cultural Consultant. The show received well-deserved recognition, earning nominations for 6 Broadway World Awards, and critics praised its authentic portrayal of Afro-Caribbean movement and themes.
One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in the production of In the Heights with NTID/RIT, where he served as the Choreographer. This production was especially empowering as it showed a fully fronted Deaf Actor musical. Not only did it bring attention to the underrepresented Latinx deaf and hard of hearing community, but it also emphasized the importance of Deaf Theater.

He has also dedicated over 20 years of working with at risk you specifically Latinx and African American students. His work with Ibero American Action League placed him in schools such as Monroe, Franklin, East, Edison and Charlotte running a mentorship program with a case load of 75 students helping them get on track for graduation.

Damaris Lissette Santos

Instructor/Artistic Choreographer

Borinquen Dance Theatre, Jr.

Community Volunteer Award Recipient

Damaris Lissette Santos was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She is a graduate from the Rochester City School District's School of the Arts, Class of 2011 as a Dance major. She then went on to pursue her education at MCC. She is currently a full time Assistant Manager at AT&T in addition to working with BDT. Damaris is also an Alumni of BDT.

She began dancing at Little Red Dance Studio competing across the US in cities like Las Vegas, NY and Orlando in the styles of tap, jazz, and ballet. Her group won many Regional Competitions and National titles. She wanted to learn more outside of competing and to also contribute to her community in a different way. She was introduced to Borinquen Dance Company at the age of 10 where she embraced her love for cultural dancing. She began dedicating her youth to assisting with Borinquen Dance Theatre from the ages 10-21. She began peer mentoring for the age group 10-12 and performed as a principal dancer in the senior company at the age of 12, while still assisting with leading the younger group. During her time as a BDT Performer, she experienced dancing at many local events like the Puerto Rican Festival, Fundraisers, the inauguration of the City’s mayor just to name a few. These experiences helped her grow as a dancer and an individual.

Most recently, Damaris began working and volunteering her time as the coordinator for the children’s program at Borinquen Dance Theatre in March 2024, both choreographing and teaching fundamentals for performing.

The children performing today have learned a total of two pieces, a traditional Bomba and Plena, within a five-month period. They have performed for the Rochester Puerto Rican Festival, Syracuse Latin Festival, Red Wings Coco Locos Night, Rochester City Hall, Hispanic Heritage at the Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester City’s own School 46. Damaris continues her dedication to Borinquen Dance Theatre because it continues to provide diversity to the community supporting children of all backgrounds. Through her teaching styles and methods, Damaris has implemented the importance of discipline and consistency. Most importantly, the children have an increased understanding of self-esteem and self-respect to carry them in places inside and outside of the studio. Damaris is grateful to the community for having placed trust in her to continue guiding the youth in a positive environment, where all children are safe and welcome to express themselves in the art of dance.

Fun fact about BDT, it is passed on from generation to generation. Damaris’ 8-year-old daughter is also her student.

Cassandra Lopez

Dancer, Educator & Advocate

Cassandra Lopez is a dedicated performer, instructor, and advocate for the arts and nonprofit work. With a background spanning various dance styles and a passion for empowering the next generation, she brings a wealth of experience both on and off the stage.

Currently serving as an Area Coordinator at the Eastman School of Music, Cassandra combines her administrative expertise with her deep-rooted love for the arts. She aspires to continue her journey in law while remaining actively engaged in the nonprofit sector. Her future goals also include transitioning from performing to teaching, where she hopes to share her extensive dance knowledge with young artists.

Cassandra’s dance journey began with Borinquen Dance Theatre, where she trained and performed as a junior member (2007-2010) and later as a senior member (2013-2018). During this time, she graced stages across New York State and California, performing at prestigious events such as:

Rochester Fringe Festival
San Diego International Fringe Festival (2016)
New York State Fair
Puerto Rican Festivals of Rochester & Buffalo
Various community performances and annual Borinquen Dance Theatre recitals

After graduating college, Cassandra returned to Borinquen Dance Theatre as both a performing member and instructor, bringing her expertise to new generations of dancers.

Her formal dance education was shaped at School of the Arts (2012-2018), where she trained in jazz, modern, tap, and ballet, performing in annual concerts and even taking the stage as a Lost Boy in Peter Pan: The Musical (2013).

Cassandra continued her education at West Virginia University (2018-2022), earning a B.A. in Criminology with a minor in Leadership Studies. Her love for dance remained strong, as she pursued additional coursework in world dance (Hawaiian), jazz, and ballet.

Beyond Borinquen, her talent has been showcased in:
Fringe Festival – "When the Curtains Close" (2022), Borinquen Dance Theatre (2022)
Sacathenia Dance – "Dances, Distance, & Dusk" (2020)
Dances at MuCC (2017)
San Diego International Fringe Festival (2016)

With a strong foundation in dance, leadership, and nonprofit work, Cassandra Lopez is poised to make a lasting impact in the arts community—whether through performance, education, or advocacy.

José Manuel Mitaynes

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, José Manuel Mitaynes developed a passion for the arts at an early age, growing up in a household where music—Merengue, Salsa, Old Ballads, Bomba, and Plena—played day and night.

After relocating with his family to Rochester, NY, José attended East High School, where his artistic journey deepened. He became involved with Borinquen Dance Theatre, finding inspiration under the mentorship of Nydia Padilla-Rodríguez. Recognizing his talent, a school counselor awarded him a scholarship to train with the prestigious Garth Fagan Dance Company, where he gained rigorous training in ballet and Afro-jazz, complementing the folkloric elements he learned at Borinquen.

At 21, with just $250 and an unwavering dream, José moved to New York City, leaving behind college and familiarity to pursue a professional career in the performing arts. Over the next 18 years, he trained extensively with renowned choreographers, including Maria Ramos, Luam, Eddie Torres Jr., David Thomas, Anthony Rodriguez, Ebony Williams, Dana Wilson, Christopher Scott, Lyric Cruz, Jessica Castro, Desiree Godsell, Max Pollack, and Adesola Osakalumi. His diverse training encompassed Afro-Caribbean dance, hip-hop, jazz, bachata, contemporary, vogue, house, and Salsa On 2.

José’s career has taken him to remarkable heights, including a role in the Warner Brothers film "In The Heights", produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Jon M. Chu. His performance credits also include:

Mohegan Sun Concerts (freestyle artists)
Off-Broadway productions such as "Carmen to Havana and Back"
Immersive theater at The Public Theater, produced and directed by Katiana Magno and Jimmy Sutherland
Acting in "Caso Cerrado", produced by Marlene Key and Ana María Polo
Appearances in music videos for artists like Zawezo and Jidenna
Nick Cannon's Red Nose Initiative

Beyond performance, José has been deeply committed to arts education and youth empowerment. He worked with SBI/Harlem Stage, an afterschool program providing dance instruction to students, using the arts as a vehicle for personal and academic growth. His work in youth development has allowed him to inspire the next generation, proving that with dedication and passion, success is within reach—whether from Avenue A in Rochester to the stages and screens of New York City.

José Manuel Mitaynes is a dynamic force in the performing arts, bringing energy, fusion, and heart to every stage he graces and every student he mentors.

Ashley Carter

BDT Alumna & Instructor

Ashley T. Carter is a passionate dancer and choreographer whose artistry is deeply rooted in cultural expression and the power of movement. A proud graduate of the Rochester City School District’s School of the Arts (Class of 2011), Ashley developed her love for dance through performances in productions such as the Hispanic Heritage Month showcases (2010 & 2011) and the Senior Dance Showcase (2011).

Her journey with Borinquen Dance Theatre began as a student from 2009 to 2011, during which she performed at community events including the Rochester Puerto Rican Festival. In September 2024, Ashley returned to the SOTA stage to perform at the Rochester Fringe Festival’s Alumni Dance Concert, and she looks forward to future opportunities to reconnect with fellow artists and audiences.

Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications with a Minor in Spanish from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated in November 2015.

Currently, Ashley works in the not-for-profit sector, where she advocates for the Latino and African American communities, with a special focus on individuals with disabilities. She is also a passionate supporter of STEM education, particularly for women in underrepresented communities.
Outside of her professional and creative endeavors, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and their two beloved dogs, Dexter and Daisy. Through her continued work with Borinquen Dance Theatre, she remains committed to uplifting her community and sharing her lifelong passion for dance, culture, and positive social change.

Board of Directors

Liliana M. Ruiz, Board Chair -City of Rochester, Director of Special Projects & Educational Initiatives, Office of Mayor Malik D. Evans
Nita Brown, Vice Chair – Founder & CEO Mansawear, International Mullti-lingual Business
Denette M. Mitchell-Perez, Secretary – Wegmans Food Market, Agile Team Coach & ScrumMaster
Harjeet Singh, CPA. Financial Reporting Analyst - RIT
Ingrid M. Gonzalez, Board Member – Educational Talent Search Brockport College & Career Advisor & CEO of Simply Delicious Treats
Honorable Michael C. Lopez, Board Member– Rochester City Court Judge, Acting County Court Judge, Franklin H. Williams Commission
Senovia Moncada, Esq., Board Member – Equal Opportunity & Title IX Investigator, University of Rochester
Tabita Torres, Board Member - Human Subject Research Specialist U of R

Honorary Board Advisors:

Lana K. Ivy, Partner/ Attorney, Harris Beach PLLC

Yolanda Benitez, Wegmans Food Markets

Terri Trotta, Financial Advisor, Lincoln Investment

Jennifer Bean, CPA FreedMaxick CPA’s P.C.S

585-263-2623