About Lakayro
A cultural movement rooted in purpose, discipline, and opportunity.
Our Story
Lakayro Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth and adults through culturally rooted dance education, leadership development, and artistic excellence.
Too often, talented individuals are unable to pursue dance because of financial barriers, limited access to quality training, or the absence of spaces where they feel seen, welcomed, and represented. Lakayro exists to change that.
At Lakayro, dance is more than movement—it's a pathway to confidence, leadership, cultural pride, and community.
Our programs celebrate Haitian and Afro-Diasporic traditions while embracing global dance styles and performing arts education. Students receive high-quality technical training alongside opportunities to explore the history, stories, and cultural significance behind the art forms they study, creating a deeper connection to both movement and identity.
We proudly serve underserved youth, adults seeking affordable dance education, aspiring performers, and individuals searching for a supportive community where they can learn, grow, and express themselves through the arts.
What sets Lakayro apart is our commitment to developing the whole person—not just the dancer. Through a student-centered, guided-discovery approach, our instructors serve as mentors who encourage participants to think independently, solve problems, collaborate effectively, and take ownership of their personal and artistic growth. Every class is designed to cultivate confidence, discipline, resilience, leadership, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the studio.
Our work is built on four core pillars:
- Culture– Preserving and celebrating Haitian and Afro-Diasporic heritage while fostering appreciation for global dance traditions.
- Craft– Delivering high-quality dance instruction, performing arts education, and meaningful performance opportunities.
- Confidence– Empowering students to become self-assured leaders through discipline, creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
- Community– Creating a welcoming, inclusive home where people of all backgrounds can connect, belong, and thrive through the arts.
As Lakayro continues to grow, our vision is to become a leading cultural arts organization that expands access to performing arts education, preserves cultural traditions, develops future leaders, and inspires stronger, more connected communities throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Our Mission
Lakayro's mission is to empower youth and adults through high-quality dance education, cultural preservation, and career development opportunities.
- Building strong dance foundations (technique, conditioning, stamina)
- Preserving and celebrating cultural dance forms, especially Haitian dance
- Creating access to arts education for underrepresented communities
- Preparing dancers for higher education, entrepreneurship, and professional careers
The Vision
Lakayro is actively building a future where dance is not just a hobby—but a respected and sustainable pathway.
- A fully operational nonprofit serving youth and adults
- Scholarship and mentorship programs for aspiring dancers
- Cultural dance intensives and training programs
- Partnerships with schools, organizations, and community centers
- A recognized pipeline from dance training to college and career opportunities
Our Community
Lakayro serves underprivileged youth and adults by expanding access to affordable, culturally responsive dance education. We provide welcoming spaces for adults who no longer have opportunities to dance, offer training in Haitian-rooted and Afro-Diasporic dance alongside other cultural and global dance styles, and create pathways for participants to grow as performers, leaders, mentors, and community advocates through arts and cultural education.
Underprivileged Youth
- Dance education
- Cultural identity
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Performance opportunities
Adults Seeking Community
- A place to continue dancing
- Wellness through movement
- Social connection
- Cultural appreciation
Artists & Cultural Enthusiasts
- Haitian-rooted and Afro-Diasporic dance training
- Global dance styles
- Performing arts education
- Workshops and performances
- Community engagement
Yvana RomelusThee Mademoiselle
Yvana Romelus, also known as Thee Mademoiselle, is a multidisciplinary creative, dance educator, and digital strategist from Elizabeth, New Jersey.
With years of experience as a full-time content creator and educator, Yvana has built multiple platforms centered around storytelling, culture, and truth-telling. Known for her direct voice and impactful presence, she has cultivated communities both online and in-person that inspire growth, confidence, and conversation.
Her work is deeply rooted in uplifting Black youth and creating spaces where culture is not only represented—but respected and taught with intention.
Lakayro was born from her recognition that many dancers—especially those from marginalized communities—lack access to structured, high-level training and clear career pathways. She created Lakayro to change that narrative.
Our Four Core Values
Lakayro is not a typical dance program. Every class, initiative, and experience is designed with intention.
Community First
Everything we do is rooted in the needs and strengths of the communities we serve.
Cultural Pride
We celebrate and preserve cultural heritage — especially Haitian dance — as a powerful tool for identity and growth.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in every program, partnership, and interaction.
Inclusivity
Our doors are open to all, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance.
Global Dance Programming
Lakayro is actively developing Afro-Haitian, Latin, and other cultural dance-focused content and programming that integrates movement with identity, storytelling, and education.
- Dance videos with cultural prompts and reflections
- Workshops centered on Haitian dance forms
- Curriculum development for youth and community programs
Nonprofit Development
Lakayro is in the process of becoming a fully established nonprofit organization.
- Free or low-cost dance classes for underserved youth
- Mentorship and career exposure opportunities
- Pathways to higher education and scholarships
- Partnerships with schools and community organizations
Why Lakayro Matters
Too many talented dancers are overlooked—not because they lack ability, but because they lack access. Lakayro exists to change that.
- Talent should be developed, not wasted
- Culture should be preserved, not diluted
- Dancers deserve structure, not just space
- Communities deserve resources, not just inspiration
Join the Movement
Lakayro is for the dancers who are ready to grow, the individuals who want more than surface-level training, and the communities that deserve investment.
Whether you're stepping into your first class or looking to refine your craft, Lakayro is a place where you can build, belong, and become.