The Jayden Foundation was created with a simple but powerful vision: to make the transformative experience of movement and dance accessible to individuals with diverse abilities, regardless of their circumstances. Inspired by a father and son who found connection through movement, The Jayden Foundation creates opportunities for self-expression, confidence, connection, and belonging.

When studio owner Ilya Barmotin’s son was diagnosed with autism, he searched for a way to connect with him beyond words. As a ballroom dance instructor, he turned to the language he knew best—dance. Through movement and music, he witnessed remarkable changes in his son’s coordination, confidence, social interaction, and overall quality of life. He realized that dance was more than an art form; it was a powerful tool for growth, communication, and connection. Inspired by his son’s progress, Ilya became determined to share those same opportunities with other families in the community.

Too many individuals with disabilities lack access to affordable, inclusive programs that support both physical and emotional well-being, an issue that Ilya himself knows well. The JAYDance program was created to change that by providing free movement classes where participants improve coordination, mobility, balance, strength, and independence while building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. We believe ballroom dance is a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and self-expression that everyone deserves to experience. A successful project creates lasting improvements in participants’ daily lives while building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to move, grow, and thrive. With each participant gaining physical and emotional skills that extend past the dance floor, our program’s success is measured by the confidence gained in every student.