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Over the past few months, our students have made incredible strides, exploring new skills and showcasing their talents through exciting performances. Each department has been hard at work, and their dedication shines as we prepare for the final months of our Fall '24/Spring '25 season.
If you’ve been considering joining us, there’s still time! A few spots remain in our winter programs, and we would love to welcome some new faces. Enroll now or read on for highlights from the fall and a glimpse of what’s to come.
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Program Highlights: October '24 - December '24
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Dance Department
This fall, the Dance Department brought energy and excitement to the floor. From partnering with The Joyce Theater and Denzel Washington School of Arts to bringing students to Lincoln Center, it’s been all about exposure and growth.
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Watching our students experience world-class performances and workshops has been exciting—not just for them but for our whole community. And as we start to prepare for our recitals, events like the Kwanzaa Celebration remind us how dance connects us to culture and each other. | |
*Pictured above (right): Natalie Rogers-Cropper teaching the Fagan Technique at Mind-Builders, in partnership with the Joyce Theater. *Pictured above (left): Mind-Builders alum Ayodele Casel at her show, “Diary of a Tap Dancer,” with Dance Department Director Melvada Hughes and dance faculty member Funmi Sofola. | |
Music Department
The Music Department turned up the volume this season, and the results were unforgettable! The Mind-Builders Stage Band showed off their talent at the Pregones Theatre’s Stage Garden Rumba series, earning cheers from audiences and organizers alike (pictured right).
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October’s Jazz Night, celebrating The East, was a special event in collaboration with the Bronx Music Heritage Center. The evening mixed music and history, giving students a chance to connect with their roots through a lively panel discussion. Moderated by noted folklorist Elena Martínez, the panel featured The East members David Antoine, Basir Mchawi, and Ogundipe Fayomi, who shared powerful insights from their experiences (pictured above, from right to left, respectively). | |
November’s Jazz Noir Night (pictured below) was another crowd favorite, featuring our very own Mr. Charles Carrington on piano, who inspired students with his musical expertise. It’s been a season of powerful performances and personal growth for all involved. | | |
*Click on the photo above to view our Kwanzaa Celebration reel. | |
The Positive Youth Troupe (PYT) took creativity to a new level, collaborating across departments for this year’s Kwanzaa Celebration. Their work on the production, Bone Soup, brought together music, dance, and drama, creating a powerful performance that felt special for everyone involved. Students built their skills and confidence while telling a story that connected deeply with the audience. | |
PYT also prepared for the August Wilson New Voices Competition, a big opportunity for young talent. This season has shown how theater is about more than performing—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of and sharing that with others. | | |
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During the workshop, participants explored Amurá's creative process, learned about the origins of his games, and even got to play some of his popular creations, like Gin-Go (pictured left), and Kitunda. Next up in January, interns will be interviewing mosaicist, illustrator, and painter Manny Vega, after visiting Vega’s exhibition, Byzantine Bembé, at the Museum of the City of New York. | |
The program also welcomed Pea Mah as the new lead instructor. A passionate visual artist with extensive experience in youth education and cultural research, Pea will be working alongside Program Manager Melinda González to guide interns through projects that celebrate cultural practices and storytelling, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. | |
*Pictured: Pea Mah, Folk Culture Program Instructor | |
Learn more about all our programs here. | | |
A Legacy of Love and Dedication |
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Elaine Bailey, a cornerstone of the Mind-Builders community and beloved matriarch of the Grant Family. Elaine’s contributions to Mind-Builders go far beyond volunteering—she was a true champion for our mission and an irreplaceable presence in our family.
For years, Elaine was a familiar and welcoming face at Mind-Builders. Whether she was prepping for events, organizing materials, or stepping up for street outreach, she brought a spirit of generosity and care to everything she touched. Elaine never needed to be asked—she simply showed up, time and time again, with a smile and a heart full of love for this community. And even when we did ask for her help, she never hesitated to say “yes,” always with warmth and reassurance.
Elaine was a guiding light at Mind-Builders. Her kindness, tireless dedication, and belief in the power of the arts to transform lives left a lasting impact on our organization. Her quiet strength and unwavering support inspired all who knew her, shaping not just the lives she touched but the very foundation of our community. To the Grant Family, we extend our deepest condolences and gratitude for sharing Elaine with us. She will be deeply missed, but her memory and legacy will remain a cherished part of Mind-Builders forever.
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Join Us for the Second Half of the Season! | |
It’s not too late to join our Fall '24/Spring '25 season! With pro-rated tuition, you’ll only pay for the remaining classes in the semester. Plus, whether it’s music, dance, theater, or martial arts, our instructors are ready to help your child (or you) jump right in and get caught up.
Enrollment closes on January 11, so be sure to secure your spot before it’s too late. If you can’t make this round, keep an eye out—our summer registration opens soon. Stay tuned for details!
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January 2025
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January 11 – Registration Deadline for Remaining Classes
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January 22 – Jazzing Away the Winter Blues, Jazz Night
February 2025
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February 12 – Heart Healthy Zumba Party
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February 15 – Heroes Day Celebration
March 2025
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March 1 – Summer Registration Opens
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March 8 – Mind Your Beat Dance Battle
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March 14 – Self Defense Workshop for Women
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March 22 – Jazz Night at Pregones Theater
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For additional details, closures, and event updates, click here to view our full calendar on the website. | |
Involvement Opportunities | |
We would love for you to get involved at Mind-Builders! We believe that the arts are for everyone, and high-quality arts education should be too. | |
Adults in our Work Exchange Program commit to a weekly schedule in exchange for one free class for themselves or their child. Applicants are selected after a simple interview process. | |
Want to give back to your community? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with events, classes, and administrative tasks. Your support helps us keep the arts accessible to everyone. | |
Your generous donations allow us to continue offering arts programs to our community. Please consider making a donation today and help us provide opportunities for creative growth and learning. | |
Fall '24/Spring '25 Program enrollment ends January 11. Program Schedule: English/Spanish | | |
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Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
3415 Olinville Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
718-652-6256 | www.mind-builders.org
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