At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. The curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning and grow as people.
We got the opportunity to chat with Nina Sekhand, Founder of Center for Performing Arts & Dance (CPAD), an NYC-based multidisciplinary space where children explore creativity, movement, and self-expression through dance, theater, music, and more. In our conversation, we learned more about the benefits of out-of-school enrichment activities, inspiring moments in and out of the classroom, and so much more.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.
I’m a former professional ballerina and nanotechnology engineer with a profound passion for child development. My journey has always lived at the intersection of discipline and creativity—where science meets movement, and rigor meets imagination. I founded CPAD to reimagine what an arts education can be: A nurturing space where children not only grow as artists, but also as confident, curious, and emotionally intelligent individuals, grounded in both physical expression and cognitive growth.
Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?
One of the most inspiring moments was watching a young student, who was once too nervous to speak in class, step confidently into a lead role during our end-of-semester showcase. Seeing her beam with pride on stage—and her parents in tears in the audience—was a powerful reminder of how the right environment can unlock a child’s potential and transform their self-belief. Moments like that stay with me.
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?
The most rewarding part is seeing that spark when a child discovers something new or realizes they’re capable of more than they thought. Those small moments of growth and pride show me the lasting value of what we’re building together.
What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?
An unforgettable instance was when one of our young dancers, recovering from surgery, insisted to her doctor that she couldn’t stay in the hospital any longer because she had ballet class and absolutely couldn’t miss it. Moments like these remind me of the deep connection children form with their training, and the sense of purpose and discipline it instills in them at such a young age.
On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?
After one class, a little girl refused to leave and told me very seriously that she wanted to stay and become my assistant. She even started tidying up the props and correcting her classmates with the most adorable authority. It was both hilarious and heartwarming—and a reminder of how deeply children connect when they feel valued and inspired.
Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?
After-school programs and camps give children a chance to explore, create, and grow outside the traditional classroom setting. At CPAD NYC, we keep our groups intentionally small to ensure every child receives focused attention and personalized guidance. This allows us to nurture each child's unique strengths and help them discover and deepen their passions in a supportive, inspiring environment.
How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?
Passions often emerge when children are given unstructured time to explore, create, and play. Whether it’s building something at home, dancing around the living room, or asking big questions at dinner, those everyday moments are often where discovery truly begins.
