Hartford Youth Dance Initiative (HYDI) was incorporated as a nonprofit program for children in 1995. It has grown to involve hundreds of children who are learning the joy, benefits and discipline of dance, with a focus on ballroom.

Through workshops and performances HYDI has helped to educate thousands of children about a wide spectrum of dance styles.

HYDI's Defining Belief
in the Potential of Each Child:

There are valuable lessons in the discovery of the relationship of music, rhythm, and graceful movement. The child who has difficulty in communicating verbally can develop the ease to do so through his/her dance expression.

The fact that there is discipline involved in learning steps and routines also gives the child a great sense of accomplishment.

Many children need a medium to allow for socialization. Children learn that they can depend on themselves and that they can depend on, and work with, others.

Basic social graces are seen as a way to achieve the harmony that is needed to perform. This attitude will strengthen the child in all facets of life.