When Maya Kuppermann, CEO of Temelio, connected with Abigail Rosin McCreath, founder of Groove With Me, the conversation quickly turned into an inspiring exploration of how dance can transform lives. Below, we share the highlights of their discussion, spotlighting Groove With Me’s mission, programs, and the profound impact it has on young women.
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Maya Kuppermann: Abigail, it’s so great to connect. Let’s start at the beginning—what inspired you to create Groove With Me, and what’s its mission?
Abigail Rosin McCreath: Before college, I became deeply passionate about preventing women from joining gangs. That passion expanded to tackling domestic abuse, substance abuse, and depression. Growing up, I found my own joy and stability in dance. It was a lifeline for me during difficult times. Groove With Me was born to provide a safe space where girls could build self-esteem, gain ownership over their bodies, and find belonging. It’s about giving them a community during those critical, idle hours when they’re most vulnerable.
Maya: Why do you believe dance is such a powerful tool, especially for the communities you serve?
Abigail: Dance gives women ownership over their bodies. It empowers them to value themselves in ways that are independent of others’ opinions or societal pressures. Beyond that, there’s plenty of research showing how dance improves mental health, academic performance, and overall resilience—especially in communities impacted by violence. It’s a tool for safety and self-expression, and it provides much-needed mental health benefits, particularly in challenging times like COVID-19 and during periods of social unrest.
Maya: That resonates deeply. Can you give an overview of the programs Groove With Me offers today?
Abigail: Our primary program is free dance classes. Girls enroll in September and commit to attending weekly until June, ending in our annual recital. Performance is key to our mission—it builds self-esteem and exposes participants to new opportunities and causes.
We also incorporate youth development into our classes. Every session starts in a circle where students can offload their day. Teachers serve as mentors and are trained to notice changes in behavior or well-being, which they share with our program directors, who have backgrounds in psychology and social work.
Additionally, we offer:
Maya: It’s incredible how comprehensive your approach is. Can you share a story that highlights Groove With Me’s impact?
Abigail: One story that stands out is about a quiet student who initially spent more time in our office than in class. Over time, she blossomed—taking six classes a week, excelling in our Teen Leadership Committee, and even sharing incredible artwork with us. At a reunion, we learned she was studying journalism in college. Later, I saw her on the street, and she mentioned she was talking to her editor—she had become a journalist. Eventually, she earned a master’s in journalism. Seeing her journey—from a shy girl to a confident professional—perfectly captures what Groove With Me is all about.
Maya: What partnerships or community collaborations have been most meaningful for your work?
Abigail: One of our biggest partners is Camille Brown’s dance company, which provides professional teaching artists. This partnership has been invaluable, especially post-COVID, when our teacher roster decreased. Another key collaborator is Little Sisters of the Assumption, a partner organization that refers immigrant families to our programs. They also provide workshops on immigrant rights, which enrich our programming. Partnerships that genuinely ask, “What do you need?” are the ones that truly help us thrive.
Maya: What challenges have you faced as an organization?
Abigail: Our biggest challenge right now is funding. We moved to a new studio this year, which increased our rent and overall budget by 30%. At the same time, some major donors reduced their contributions. This is the first time I’ve felt worried about finances. Another hurdle is rebuilding our roster of volunteer teachers, which dropped significantly during COVID. With more remote and hybrid work, fewer people are willing to commit to in-person volunteerism, even though it’s so impactful.
Maya: How can people get involved and support Groove With Me?
Abigail: For those in New York, volunteering as a dance teacher is the most direct way to help. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us. For others, donations are crucial, especially as we navigate our current financial challenges. Supporting our mission, whether through time, resources, or spreading the word, makes a world of difference.
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Groove With Me is a testament to the transformative power of dance and community. If you’re inspired by their work, visit their website to learn more about volunteering, donating, or attending one of their performances. Together, we can help provide a safe and empowering space for young women to thrive.
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