The DEA Educational Foundation Youth Dance Program team in Boston, MA.
Dancing Toward Connection
Mosaic Dance Inc. and DEAEF’s Longstanding Partnership
For well over a decade, Mosaic Dance Inc. has been a vital partner of the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF), bringing the transformative power of dance to schools across the Greater Boston area. This partnership embodies a shared mission: to inspire creativity, foster healthy habits, and provide a sense of belonging for children navigating the challenges of youth.
At the heart of this collaboration is Katie Suyematsu, co-founder and director of Mosaic Dance. Her personal journey with dance reflects the power of the art form to create safe spaces and opportunities for growth. “Growing up, home was not always a happy place to be. Dance became my safe space.” Katie recalls. “It gave me structure, discipline, and the ability to process tough emotions creatively.”
When Mosaic Dance emerged in 2021 as the successor to Rainbow Tribe, Inc., the commitment to working with DEAEF remained unwavering. Katie emphasizes that this partnership aligns perfectly with Mosaic Dance’s mission of inclusivity. “We make dance accessible to everyone,” she says. “The dance community in Boston can feel like you need to fit into a box. We aim to break that mold by creating spaces where dancers of all sizes and ability feel at home, comfortable, and a true sense of belonging.”
Mosaic Dance brings weekly after-school dance classes to students, many of whom are experiencing dance for the first time. At Point Webster Middle School in Quincy, Katie currently leads a class of eager fifth graders who learn more than just steps. “For many of the kids we’ve taught over the years, dance has provided them with structure and a creative outlet,” Katie explains. “Some students tell me that dance helps them forget about the negative things in their lives, even just for a little while. It gives them a sense of peace and that is truly profound to hear from 10- and 11-year-olds.”
While Katie teaches multiple styles of dance, hip hop has proven to be the most popular among her DEAEF students. “Hip hop resonates with them—it’s the music they listen to and the culture they’re surrounded by,” she notes. Classes often include a mix of students with varying levels of experience, from beginners to those with some dance background.
“For many of the kids we’ve taught over the years, dance has provided them with structure and a creative outlet. Some students tell me that dance helps them forget about the negative things in their lives, even just for a little while. It gives them a sense of peace and that is truly profound to hear from 10- and 11-year-olds.”
Last year, Katie’s largest class included 27 students, a testament to the enthusiasm for the program. This year, she’s working with smaller groups, focusing on building trust and relationships. “The first few weeks are about getting to know each other,” Katie says. “I share a little of my story so they see that I’ve gone through challenges, too. It builds trust and shows them there’s a good future ahead.”
The impact of the partnership between Mosaic Dance and DEAEF extends beyond the classroom. It’s about using dance as a vehicle to instill life lessons—teamwork, discipline, and resilience—while promoting a drug-free lifestyle. “Dance teaches kids so much more than movement,” Katie reflects. “It shows them that even when things are challenging, they can express themselves in healthy ways and move toward a brighter future.”
DEAEF Regional Director Christine Dhimos praises Mosaic Dance for their consistency and dedication. “They’ve been wonderful partners for well over a decade,” she says. “They always pull through with positivity and care deeply about making a difference.”
With plans to expand into two additional schools in January, Mosaic Dance’s reach and impact continue to grow. As Katie looks ahead, she’s excited about the opportunity to connect with even more students and provide the creative outlet that shaped her own life.
As Mosaic Dance and DEAEF celebrate their enduring partnership, the focus remains on creating safe spaces for kids to express themselves, dream big, and build healthy habits. Through the rhythm of dance, they’re fostering confidence, joy, and hope—one step at a time.
Updated Dec 22, 2024
Partnerships, YDP, DEAEF