History

Youth and Community Dance Initiative, Inc. was originally formed as the “Friends of the High School for Arts, Imagination & Inquiry,” to support a wonderful high school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.   Events produced by Friends of HSAII have encouraged and supported the dance club at HSAII since its founding in 2005, as well as assisting HSAII to close its budget gap every year.  In addition, Friends of HSAII funds have supported the expansion of HSAII’s entrepreneurial and college prep and counseling programs and enabled HSAII’s other diverse after-school programs.  On July 1, 2017 HSAII was renamed The Maxine Green High School For Imaginative Inquiry.

Building on the continuing success of Friends of HSAII, Youth and Community Dance Initiative (YCDI) was founded to expand our mission to support other community organizations and groups, by introducing and encouraging dance as a vehicle for youth, seniors and other community members.  We have changed our name to Youth and Community Dance Initiative, Inc. to reflect more accurately our expanded mission and goals. 

At YCDI, we seek to bring dance sessions for children, young people and seniors into existing upper west side community facilities.  Our community partners include local housing projects, after school programs, day care facilities, veterans groups, etc.
Youth and Community Dance Initiative, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, incorporated in New York State.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
–Ronald Reagan–