Meet Your Neighbor: Valerie Green

"I’m the Executive and Artistic Director of Dance Entropy, a nonprofit of 11 professional dancers. We perform all over New York City, with a strong emphasis on Queens. My mom put me in dance when I was 3, and I never left. I kept exploring different dance forms through my exploration of self over the years. SU-CASA is a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations in residence at older adult centers across New York City. Through the program, I was able to bring my dance experience to the Rego Park Older Adult Center. I’ve been sharing different dance styles with the older adults, which makes it really fun for them. During my time here, we build toward an end-of-program performance, where the older adults showcase and celebrate what they’ve learned.

I love connecting with schools, older adult centers, and nonprofits like Queens Community House through my work. I’m a daughter of immigrant parents, and I think that impacted how strongly I feel about things being more accessible to people. It’s important to have dance intersect with people of all ages, all backgrounds. Everyone should have access to opportunities for them to express themselves."

— Valerie Green, Executive and Artistic Director of Dance Entropy