Tracey Mina

Tracey Mina – Head of School, Stuyvesant Heights Montessori – Brooklyn

Can you tell us about the inspiration or concept behind this
residency?
As the Head of School at Stuyvesant Heights Montessori in Brooklyn, NY, I believe it is essential for even the youngest New Yorkers to develop a genuine love and appreciation for the arts. Equally important is ensuring that our children see themselves reflected in classical art forms. Dance Theatre of Harlem embodies excellence while celebrating the richness of our culture.

My daughter attended Dance Theatre of Harlem when she was just three years old. Her experience there helped shape her discipline, focus, and deep love for the arts —while also forming lifelong friendships that continue 23 years later. I wanted other children to have the opportunity to experience that same foundation of excellence and enrichment.

How did you see students grow—artistically, emotionally, or socially—through dance?

Dance allows students to explore who they are. It gives them the space to take their feelings, emotions, and thoughts and express them through movement in a healthy, creative way. I would love to see our students channel their emotions through dance while being exposed to a wide range of artistic experiences and diverse social circles. These opportunities help them grow not only as dancers, but as confident, well-rounded individuals.

What were you hoping participants would take away from the experience?
I want our students to know that even when they don’t immediately see themselves represented in a particular field, they have the power to become the trailblazers who open doors and pave the way for many others. By pairing children’s literature with our residency program, young dancers gain a deeper understanding of the history and stories behind many of the most celebrated names in dance. My hope is that every student walks away with a strong sense of our shared greatness and their own potential to shape the future.

This residency experience has been truly amazing! Lia Lewis, the DTH Teaching Artist, is poised, knowledgeable, and exemplifies both professionalism and discipline. She serves as a powerful model for our students—exactly the kind of example I hope they will emulate and build upon as they grow.