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From Vacation to Real Impact
Our Purpose
Did you just return from an unforgettable trip to the Dominican Republic—dancing, laughing, soaking up the culture—and now you’re wondering how to give back meaningfully?
Ritmo y Apoyo was created to make that possible. Through our collaboration with MetaMovements and the local community of Las Terrenas, we’re honored to support initiatives that blend education, art, and opportunity.
Simply put, Ritmo y Apoyo is about giving back to the people who give us so much. We support projects in Las Terrenas that uplift children through literacy and empower local dancers through art, opportunity, and care.
It all began when a group of locals in Las Terrenas saw a need for education and started a literacy program for children—many of whom are Haitian and excluded from the formal school system due to legal, economic, or documentation barriers. When a few French residents learned of their efforts, they offered support, helping the program grow. That’s how Julie, a member of MetaMovements, found out about this incredible project.
Seeing the deep impact it was having, she had the idea to integrate dance as a way to help the children build confidence, creativity, and connection. With the dedication of talented local dancers Frank and Luis Mario, the program now includes weekly dance classes where kids learn not just movement—but teamwork, discipline, joy, and self-expression.
Through Ritmo y Apoyo, we aim to make it simple for people around the world to support this collaborative work directly. Your donations go toward sustaining the literacy program, empowering the dancers who teach, and helping local artists thrive through our dancer emergency fund.
We believe that those who benefit from Dominican and Haitian culture—whether through travel, dance, or music—have a beautiful opportunity to give back with dignity, consistency, and love. Together, we can turn our gratitude for the island into lasting impact for the people who make it so special.
Our Mission
Ritmo y Apoyo’s mission is to bridge joy and justice by supporting the communities at the heart of Las Terrenas. Through partnerships with local leaders, MetaMovements, and artists in Las Terrenas, we help sustain programs that provide children with access to literacy and creative education, while empowering local dancers and teachers with opportunities for growth and stability. We believe that those who benefit from Dominican music, dance, and culture have a beautiful opportunity to give back with love, respect, and consistency.
