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A group of performers poses in a coordinated arrangement, dressed in matching costumes. The women are wearing gold, fringed dresses that shimmer, while the men are dressed in matching white outfits. The group consists of thirteen individuals, with two people kneeling in front and the rest standing in a semi-circle behind them, framing a woman in a blue t-shirt. Everyone is smiling, indicating a cheerful and celebratory atmosphere. The background features a dark curtain, suggesting an indoor setting, possibly a stage or a dance performance venue.
KR3TS dancers
 Photo courtesy of Violeta Galagarza
A group of six people, all wearing coordinated white outfits, strike expressive dance poses inside a professional dance studio. The studio features a spacious floor with high ceilings and a series of bright overhead lights, illuminating the group. The individuals display a range of emotions and actions, showcasing their unique styles. On the back wall, a large logo reads 'KRS' with the phrase 'Keep Rising To the Top' beside it. Each person exudes energy and confidence, contributing to a lively and spirited atmosphere.
KR3TS dancers
 Photo courtesy of Violeta Galagarza
A group of dancers performs an energetic routine on stage against a vibrant red-orange background. The formation consists of several dancers supporting one individual elevated above the rest, creating a striking visual effect. Each dancer is positioned on their hands and feet, demonstrating strength and coordination. They are dressed uniformly in dark, casual attire, contributing to the cohesive appearance of the ensemble. The lighting accentuates their movements, highlighting the intensity and synchronization of the choreography.
KR3TS dance performance
 Photo by Lia Chang
A dynamic group of dancers performing on stage against a warm, orange background. Various performers are captured in mid-motion, showcasing high energy and synchronized movements. Some dancers are leaping and extending limbs upward, while others perform low crouches, exhibiting flexibility and control. The ensemble appears to be in a hip-hop or contemporary dance routine, with each dancer dressed in casual, athletic wear. The lighting enhances their movements, creating an engaging and powerful visual impact.
KR3TS dance performance
 Photo by Lia Chang

The Collaboration

The collaboration between Lissette Aquino Aguay, Yahael Torres, and Keep Rising to the Top (KR3TS) enabled the organization to hire the two artists as assistants and pay for studio space and choreographers. This helped the organization tremendously by providing not only artistic support, but organizational support. Through this collaboration, improvements in social media marketing and administrative processes led to tremendous opportunities for the company, including sponsorship packages, new costumes, opportunities to perform and travel, and more. Guaranteed administrative support meant that KR3TS had more bandwidth to focus on artistic opportunities and ensure a better overall experience for its dancers.

The Organization

The mission of Keep Rising to the Top (KR3TS) is to broaden the notion of what a dancer is and promotes the preservation of ethnic and cultural dances based in Spanish Harlem. KR3TS fulfills a need in the community to provide a positive alternative to social and street pressures by providing dance classes and support programs in a non-discriminating atmosphere. KR3TS also carries out its mission through its core-performance group that fosters pre-professional dancers.

Working in KR3TS has kept my “why” and “purpose” very clear. I have helped others to become what they never thought they could be. Jay J
Through this collaboration, we've empowered our community in ways that truly matter—providing essential resources, fostering connections, and igniting positive change. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision for a brighter future.
Artists
Lissette-Aquina-Aguay_thumbnail.jpg
Lissette Aquino Aguay
Yahael-Torres_thumbnail.jpg
Yahael “Jay-J” Torres
Location
New York, NY
Communities Served
Disabled
Immigrant
Youth