Dance and Dedication: Valentina Boltchi '26 Spreads the Rhythm of Hope
July 10, 2025
At The Episcopal School of Dallas, students constantly inspire their peers by embodying our values of service and community impact. This spirit shines brightly through the incredible work of Valentina Boltchi ’26 and her best friend, Chloe Kim, who together founded "Rhythm of Hope," an organization dedicated to making dance accessible to all children, regardless of their background.
Boltchi and Kim’s own dance journeys began around eight years old at The Dallas Conservatory, where they explored a variety of styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and more. It was through this shared passion that the two girls first met, building a friendship that would later become the heart of something truly special.
By their freshman year, the pair knew they wanted to create a ripple effect in their community, having seen firsthand how dance had positively shaped their own lives. "Dance has really helped foster values through an arts education in young kids, and it's given me so many unique experiences and lessons," Boltchi shared, reflecting on what sparked Rhythm of Hope. They dreamed of an organization that would allow every child to experience the sheer joy and incredible benefits of dance, without worrying about cost.
And wow, has Rhythm of Hope taken off! They've now reached more than 150 children across five community centers and schools right here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Their initiatives are both thoughtful and fun, including two successful dance clothing drives that have distributed more than 70 gently used items, as well as a festive Nutcracker fundraiser featuring five vendors, with all proceeds directly supporting local enrichment programs. These efforts, like "Tutu Tuesdays" and their engaging dance camps, aren't just about teaching steps; they're about encouraging movement and building confidence in young participants.
Boltchi said leading Rhythm of Hope has been incredibly rewarding, allowing her to perfectly blend her love for dance with a deep commitment to serving others. She's quick to point out the invaluable lessons she's learned in leadership, perseverance, organization, and communication, especially while navigating collaborations with school districts, community centers, and other groups—all while still a student! "Getting to build meaningful relationships with our partner program students and watch their faces light up when they master a new skill has been the most amazing and rewarding experience," she beamed.
This inspiring endeavor showcases the strong foundation she received through her ESD education, which has always emphasized serving others and truly ignited her passion to found Rhythm of Hope. Looking ahead, these two incredible co-founders hope to expand Rhythm of Hope with chapters beyond Dallas and build even more partnerships with dance vendors and scholarship organizations, continuing their beautiful mission to spread the transformative power of dance far and wide.
Curious to learn more about their amazing work? You can read all about it in the People Newspapers article: Love of Dance Extends Beyond the Studio for Two High Schoolers.
