Empowering Youth one Dance at a Time

In June of 2023, The Juliano Dance Initiative INC. was founded by Linda and Sandee Juliano , long time studio owners of The Dance Connection, which has been serving New Haven County since 1959. The school has had tremendous success and is Nationally and Internationally recognized for it's excellence in Dance Education, having produced many alumni who are working professionally in all facets of the entertainment industry, including Broadway, Film, Television, and some of the top Dance Companies in the world. But have seen a growing need for help to better serve their community and make Dance accessible for all. In the communities they service, most families are challenged financially, unable to afford extra curricular activities , such as Dance, Music and Art, leaving children no outlet for creative expression, physical exercise, and emotional release. Children who Dance on average do better in school, have better social skills, self esteem, and are more likely to get into Colleges and Universities, yet due to the financial struggles and the lack of funding for the arts, many promising artists never have the chance to reach their fullest potential. 

The Juliano's strongly believe in the transformative power that Dance offers, not just artistically, but holistically, contributing to one's overall well being and mental health. Partnering with organizations such as St Jude, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Make a Wish Foundation, gave their students a chance to use their art in a different way, and an appreciation of having a healthy body. Cancer has touched and continues to touch the lives of many young Dancers, including  Sandee Juliano, diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2004. Dance for her was an escape, a motivating milestone, a place to release pent up emotions and a healing force to build back strength . 

For these reasons, Linda and Sandee Juliano wanted to start a 501c(3) charitable organization, that would champion children and bridge the widening gap, that prevents so many in taking those first steps, thus laying the foundation needed to succeed. That would help Dancers, and their families struggling with medical expenses, by easing the burden and offering tuition scholarships during a time when the focus should be on healing. That would enrich the community with artistic endeavors, performances and events.