Groove With Me Inc

- 1785 Park Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10035

Groove With Me Inc is more than just a dance studio; it is a vital youth development organization with a powerful mission at its core. Located in the heart of East Harlem, this non-profit provides free dance classes and performance opportunities to girls aged 5-18. Their work goes beyond teaching dance steps; it is about using the art of dance as a tool to instill leadership, self-confidence, creativity, and discipline in young women. In a city as dynamic and sometimes challenging as New York, Groove With Me offers a safe and positive space for girls to grow and flourish. The organization has been a cornerstone of the community for many years, helping to guide and inspire thousands of girls through the power of movement and self-expression.

The philosophy behind Groove With Me is simple yet profound: by attracting and engaging girls during the crucial after-school hours, they provide a positive alternative to risk-taking behaviors. This dedication to nurturing young talent and building strong, confident individuals is what makes them a true asset to the East Harlem neighborhood and the city as a whole. The welcoming and friendly staff, as noted in a customer review, are key to creating an environment where kids can not only learn but also have a great time doing so.

Groove With Me’s commitment to its students is evident in its holistic approach. They focus on building life skills such as perseverance, focus, and accountability, which are essential for success both in and out of the classroom. The organization fosters a strong sense of community, allowing students to build lasting friendships and a support network. The positive impact is palpable in the lives of their students, who learn to express themselves, build confidence, and carry themselves with grace and pride. The studio recently expanded into a new, larger space, a testament to their growth and the high demand for their impactful programs. This expansion allows them to offer more classes and serve an even greater number of girls in the community, further cementing their role as a leading force in youth development.

The organization’s mission is deeply rooted in the East Harlem community, addressing the specific needs of local youth. By providing a safe space and free resources, Groove With Me ensures that financial barriers do not prevent a child from experiencing the transformative power of dance. This commitment to accessibility is a core part of their identity. However, like any large and popular organization, there can be challenges with communication, as highlighted in one of the provided reviews. While the staff is often described as friendly, the review points to a need for more efficient and clear communication, especially during high-demand periods like registration. This feedback, while critical, underscores the overwhelming popularity and high demand for their programs, which can lead to communication bottlenecks.

Location and Accessibility

Groove With Me Inc is located at 1785 Park Ave, on the 3rd floor, in the heart of New York, NY 10035. Situated in East Harlem, the studio is easily accessible to residents of this vibrant neighborhood and surrounding areas. The location on Park Avenue is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network. Multiple bus routes and subway lines, including the 6 train at 125th Street, are within walking distance, making it convenient for families relying on public transit.

A key feature of the studio's accessibility is its wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the facility is welcoming to all members of the community. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the organization’s mission to provide a positive and safe space for everyone. The new, expanded space offers more classrooms, providing an ideal environment for a wide variety of dance classes and activities. With bright, well-equipped studios, students have the perfect setting to learn and grow as dancers.

Services Offered

• Free Dance Classes: A comprehensive program offering free dance instruction to girls aged 5-18 in East Harlem. This core service is the foundation of the organization's mission to provide equitable access to the arts.

• Performance Opportunities: Students are given the chance to showcase their skills in public performances, which helps build confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment. These performances are a major highlight for the dancers and their families.

• Youth Development Programs: The curriculum is designed to go beyond dance, focusing on life skills such as leadership, discipline, cooperation, and creativity. This holistic approach prepares students for success in all aspects of their lives.

• Diverse Dance Styles: The new, larger space allows for more classes and a greater variety of dance styles, offering more choices for students to explore different forms of expression. While specific class names are not listed in the provided information, the expansion suggests a broad range of offerings.

• Community Building: The organization fosters a strong sense of community among students, staff, and families, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the dance studio.

Features / Highlights

• Non-Profit Mission: Groove With Me Inc operates as a non-profit, providing its services completely free of charge. This is a crucial feature that makes dance education accessible to all, regardless of financial background.

• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: The studio is committed to inclusivity, as evidenced by its wheelchair-accessible entrance, which ensures that its space is open to everyone.

• Good for Kids: The organization is highly praised for being a great place for kids. A parent’s review highlights the friendly staff and the enjoyable experience their children have while learning to dance.

• Expanded Space and Increased Class Offerings: The recent expansion into a new, larger facility on the 3rd floor of 1785 Park Ave allows the studio to accommodate more students and offer a wider variety of classes, as noted by a customer review. This demonstrates the organization's growth and success in the community.

• Emphasis on Self-Confidence and Leadership: A primary goal of the organization is to empower young women. Through dance, they help girls build self-confidence, develop creativity, and cultivate leadership skills that are essential for their future.

Contact Information

Address: 1785 Park Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10035, USA

Phone: (212) 987-5910

What is worth choosing

For parents in the New York area, particularly in East Harlem, Groove With Me Inc is a truly exceptional choice for several reasons. First and foremost, its non-profit status and commitment to providing free dance education make it an invaluable resource. This breaks down the financial barriers that often prevent children from participating in extracurricular activities, ensuring that all girls have the opportunity to experience the benefits of dance. The fact that the studio is "good for kids," with a friendly staff and an enjoyable learning environment, is a major draw for families. The positive review from a satisfied parent, who notes that their kids "have a great time learning to dance," is a powerful endorsement.

The recent expansion into a new, larger space with more classes is a significant indicator of the organization’s success and dedication. This growth allows them to serve more girls and offer a greater variety of programs, catering to diverse interests and age groups. While one review points out some communication issues during registration, this challenge is a direct result of the high demand for their services. It also highlights the need for prospective parents to be proactive in seeking information, perhaps by visiting the office in person, as the in-person experience seems to resolve these issues. This is a common challenge for very popular, community-focused organizations.

Finally, what truly sets Groove With Me Inc apart is its foundational mission. It’s not just about dance; it’s about youth development, empowerment, and community building. By providing a safe space and instilling valuable life skills like discipline, self-confidence, and creativity, the organization is making a lasting positive impact on the lives of young women. Choosing Groove With Me is choosing to invest in a program that cares deeply about its students' holistic growth and future success. For families seeking a supportive, empowering, and impactful after-school activity in New York, Groove With Me Inc is undoubtedly a top-tier choice.

Groove With Me Inc

1785 Park Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10035, USA