
Dance to Empower
About Dance to Empower
DTE believes in the power of empowerment with passion.
We are the largest 501(c)3 nonprofit in CT by high school students dedicated to helping underrepresented youth gain exposure to the arts through free dance and stretching lessons.
Dance to Empower has 50+ chapters in 20+ states, and we've aided 3,000+ students in their empowerment journeys and counting. With hundreds of resources for struggling students to dive into, DTE hopes that one day, education in the arts can be accessible, free, and effective.
Dance to Empower is an international organization and currently based in Connecticut. Hosted multiple webinars and in-person events for various organizations.
Our Leaders

Leilani Gao

Cindy Tian
Founder and Executive Director
Associate Executive Director

Susan Ma
Administrative Head
Qualifications
Awards: Youth America Grand Prix Finalists
Prix De Lausanne Pre-Selection
AEDC Prize winner
UCB 2nd Prize
Etoile 2nd Prize
Global Dance Challenge 1st Place
Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) National Finals Solo - Elite Top First
Elite Dance Challenge (EDC) Boston Region Solo - Platinum
Spirit of Dance Awards Boston Region High Gold - Solo
International Taoli World Dance Competition Solo Finalist - Gold (Classical dance)
International Taoli World Dance Competition Solo Finalist - Platinum (Classical dance)
Summer Intensives: Vaganova Ballet Academy
American Ballet Theater
Bolshoi Ballet
Ellison Ballet
John Cranko School
Beijing Dance Academy
English National Ballet
Princess Grace Academy
Program Offerings

1
E-Empower and Empower School
This program serves year-round 1-1 in-person and virtual lessons that are specific to what the students want, helping them with building confidence and finding their voice. This program also includes open group lessons with both dance and conditioning. E-Empower and Empower Learn aims to help students to find their place in society and build confidence year-round.
2
Empower Summer Intensive
Empower Summer is an intensive summer program that takes place in-person Shanghai, with online viewers as well. This will be a larger class with a focus on intensive improvements in technique, musicality, and body lines.
3
Empower Design
Empower Design is an in-person art workshop hosted in a variety of locations around the world. Students will draw/paint their personal dance idols, dancing dreams, and other means of empowerment on stickers and mugs. This can be brought home and be another way for students to continue their empowerment journey.
Partnerships + Sponsorships


+ more coming!
Get in Touch
Text, call, or send an email to Dance to Empower for more information about our classes and programs.
Tel: +1(860)-986-8080
Email: dancetoempower01@gmail.com