Carmela Muzio Dormani and Andrew Harris, owners of Ossining’s newest business, Colectivo Dance Company, are hosting a grand opening on Sunday, September 7. The public is invited to join a free salsa lesson at 1pm, followed by a 1:45pm ribbon cutting.
After years of teaching pop-up classes in Westchester, and hosting bi-monthly salsa night socials at nearby Sing Sing Kill Brewery, Mela and Drew have an enthusiastic following of students. The exciting new venture, Colectivo Dance Company, is located walking distance from their Ossining home, which is especially helpful as they navigate their careers and parenting a newborn.
Dormani, Colectivo Dance Co. co-owner has applied her PhD to a career as a sociology professor, multi-medium artist, and choreographer who centers community, social justice, and shared humanity in her work. She shed light on her approach to dance, “Movement has the power to connect us, allowing us to shape and re-form the stories we tell about ourselves and our social world. As a performer and instructor I aim to tap into that connection and make it tangible for everyone in the room.”
When he’s not dancing, Harris, Colectivo Dance Co. co-owner, applies his Masters of Architecture to his work as a community-engagement consultant. He comments on how the intersection of design and culture influences his work with dance students, “My passion is connection through trust, communication, and joy. By genuinely supporting individuals, organizations, and communities so they feel heard, recognized, and empowered, they are able to more fully express themselves.”
Althema Goodson, Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce President, remarks on the significance of this new business, “When local residents open a business in our community, it sends a powerful message about how much they believe in Ossining. We are excited to help Mela and Drew celebrate their grand opening and continue to support Colectivo Dance Company’s success.”
Dormani and Harris have a combined 30 years experience dancing New York-style salsa. They have traveled domestically and internationally performing and teaching dance, worked with a variety of Latin recording artists, and hold several World Championship titles. They are thrilled to bring their expertise to Ossining, to celebrate Latin dance and culture and create a space that is welcoming to all.
Dormani is known for her infectious energy, versatility, and skilled communication as an instructor. Harris is recognized on and off the dance floor for his intricate, creative, and flavorful social dance patterns and warm personality.
Colectivo Dance Company is located at 173 Main St, Ossining.
