Looking back 15 years, Aruba was initially a favorite vacation destination for Adriana and her family. Both professional ballet dancers with their academy in New Jersey loved Aruba. But it was these holidays that paved the way to make Aruba their permanent home. Dance is a universal language.
What began with a presentation of "The Nutcracker" at the House of Culture, became a dedicated commitment to the dance community of the island. In 2013, the couple decided to close their dance academy in New Jersey and move to open what became the Kozlov Dance Academy. Over the last 10 years, hundreds of children have passed through the school, with numerous productions and performances realized. But life has its own rhythm. Adriana and her family separated, ending the dance school's management by both.
Adriana has now found her own rhythm with her dance school, Empower Arts.
Photo by Michael Salazar
Photo by Michael Salazar
Every transition comes with its challenges and rewards. For Adriana, moving from a joint business to managing her dance academy was a leap of faith. "There were several factors," she confesses, reflecting on her decision to start Empower Arts." But at the end of the day, it was about what I wanted. I needed more freedom... and to let my light shine as it was meant to shine. My main motivation remains my students; our bond is strong.
Their innocence and love motivate me, and now I am responsible for their entire experience at Empower Arts, and I look forward to our shared achievements with enthusiasm. Contrary to popular belief, dance, especially ballet, is not for the 'elite'. My dance academy costs are comparable to what I pay for my child's weekly soccer sessions, even with our specialized facilities.
At Empower Arts, we focus on a positive and inclusive environment where students feel free to express and discover themselves. Once they feel safe, they can explore their creativity and potential. I can teach them the necessary techniques, but they must want to be in the process, using dance to discover who they truly are.
The dance culture in Aruba is full of energy. There are many dance schools and performances throughout the year, at the House of Culture and other festivals. We are always looking to collaborate with other artists to incorporate dance into more events. For example, we brought to life a ballet painting by Edgar Degas in an exhibition. There are annual events supported by the government to promote dance in schools and among the youth. I personally combine elements of Aruban culture with my dance. Every year, I dance at Plaza Betico to support local singers. Regularly, I perform alongside local artists dancing to Aruban songs. Now that I have my academy, I plan to choreograph dances to Aruban songs for my students and share this with the community. I feel it's essential for my students to retain and revive the Aruban culture in this art.
Art Fashion 2023, performing "Pueblo Lanta"
Art Fashion 2023, performing "Pueblo Lanta"
Doing business in Aruba can be expensive. However, with partnerships like the Go Cultura Foundation and support from the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Caribbean Area, I can offer economical programs for children aged 6-12. Arthur and Edjean from Go Cultura guided me in securing funding for ballet lessons and financial aid from abroad. This keeps prices competitive, in line with my vision of accessibility.
A standout moment was performing for the Royal Family, where the atmosphere was unique in San Nicholas. Another proud moment was Empower Arts' debut at the Art Fair with the song “A Million Dreams.” Also memorable was our victory at the “A Song for Aruba, its Anthem and Flag” Festival 2022 with the song “When You See The Shell,” dancing with the flag of Aruba against the silhouette of Betico Croes. To ensure broad access, we perform at local events, telecast shows on Telearuba, and donate unsold tickets to organizations like Imealdahof or SABA, allowing the less fortunate to enjoy live presentations.
Empower Arts empowers students in dance and life. Recreational dance is accessible, and for advanced seekers, opportunities exist outside with scholarships and available funding. I stand firmly behind the saying, "where there's a will, there's a way," and I am committed to guiding students to find their way.
Empower Arts - Collaboration with Art is Fun
Empower Arts - Collaboration with Art is Fun
I have a goal to launch a scholarship program for broader access and implement outreach programs in schools and neighborhoods. Creating platforms for local and international presentations that will nourish talent and inspiration. I also advocate for artistic education, using online media to highlight the merits of dance in personal and artistic evolution.
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