Borinquen Dance Theatre, Inc., through its culturally rooted art, empowers youth--including those who are underserved-- with a transformative blend of Puerto Rican heritage, Afro-Caribbean dance, discipline, and intercultural education. Its legacy of choreographic work spans over four decades with proven impact. Borinquen Dance Theatre is not just teaching dance--it cultivates resilient leaders and vibrant cultural ambassadors.

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.