18th Annual D2GB Performing Arts Camp!
Artists Together to Empower Our Youth and Children
The energy and passion of over 95 young participants filled the studios of New York City this summer as we hosted our 18th Annual D2GB Children’s Performing Arts Camp.
For one free week, campers ages 7–17 immersed themselves in dance, theater, spoken word, drumming, and singing—discovering their creativity, gaining confidence, and experiencing the power of collaboration.
What makes this camp truly special is not just the passion of the students, but the guidance of Broadway and professional artists who share their artistry and mentorship. Through every class, they wove in the camp’s core values: respect, teamwork, commitment, leadership, and self-awareness—showing how art can be a catalyst for growth and change.
Highlights of the week included:
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95+ Young Artists — exploring dance, theater, spoken word, drumming, and singing
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Broadway & NYC Teaching Artists — including Marcus Paul James (Water for Elephants), Alexa DeBarr (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Nando Morland (DANCIN’, Wicked), and Andrew Coleman (Buena Vista Social Club)
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Core Values in Action — every lesson reinforced respect, teamwork, leadership, commitment, and self-awareness
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Leadership in Motion — camp directed by Luis Salgado (On Your Feet!, In The Heights) alongside an incredible team of group directors and teaching artists
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Community Celebration — a special day at Dorney Park with performances on the main stage, families, and friends
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Inclusive Environment — campers built confidence, friendships, and a true sense of belonging
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Future Leaders Empowered — nurturing creativity and leadership within the Latinx community and beyond
Program Team:
Group directors and captains — Zuleinette Ralat, Natalia Peguero, Mario Peguero, Alex Llorca, Mel Mattos, Mayelah Barrera, Yasmyn Sumiyoshi, Ximena Salgado & Rumbamena.
Music Team: Daniel Gutiérrez (Manteca Blue), Sebastián Natal (Eric Clapton, Camila Cabello), Laura Linares (Las Guaracheras).
Guest Artists: Marcus Paul James (Water for Elephants), Andrew Coleman (Buena Vista Social Club), Alexa DeBarr (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Nando Morland (DANCIN’, Wicked), Gabriela Garcia (Chicago), Valeria Cossu (Mayumana), Anna A. Guerra (The Jimmy Awards), Ximena Salgado (Rumbamena), Milteri Tucker & Bombazo Dance Company, Shani Talmor (On Your Feet!), Juliana Padilla (Rumbamena), Nate Lombardi (The Groovy Project).
A Legacy of Leadership
For the 18th year, Luis Salgado (On Your Feet!, In The Heights), Founder and Artistic Director of R.Evolución Latina, led the camp. His vision continues to provide a safe, inclusive environment where every participant is challenged to Dare to Go Beyond.
Beyond the classes, the camp is about community and joy. Families and students joined together for a field trip to Dorney Park, celebrating art, friendship, and shared experiences in a supportive space.
WORDS FROM A D2GB CAMPER’S MOM
My daughter was in loved with the camp . She loved being with children who spoke Spanish like her and staff who had amazing cultural competences . Abigail learned to dance salsa , merengue and bachata at home , but never took classes . After the camp she realized how important was dancing and became motivated to keep enjoying dancing but also to take dance classes . The field trip was amazing : great performances and organization . We look forward to continue being part of this amazing project and community . A huge thank to everyone who makes this happens . -D2GB Camper Parent
Photos By: Krystal Pagan | Video By: Claudia Mulet
Special thanks to our incredible Camp Team—Carla Rodriguez, Heather Hogan, Bibi Sanchez—and the dedicated volunteers who made this week possible!
This program is supported by The Herman Goldman Foundation.