Puerto Rican singer Lenny Tavárez, best known as part of the reggaeton duo Dyland & Lenny, showcased a softer side during a visit to New York City on Thursday. A touching video obtained by the Daily Mail shows the 39-year-old superstar surrounded by children while leading a philanthropic workshop at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem.
Tavárez Encourages Connection Through Dance
A beaming Tavárez told the class, "I don't even imagine myself growing up without music, without art, without dancing. This generation is always on apps, tablets, and kids sometimes forget to interact with other kids. Dance, music is the best way to know someone else. All my friends that I know today are from sports or dancing programs when I was a kid."
The classes, which Tavárez participated in, are organized by Ballroom Basix, a nonprofit that offers free Latin and ballroom dance classes to schoolchildren across New York. Although a celebrity visit is not typical, the program aims to boost children's engagement with each other and teach them about dance and its cultural roots.
Impact of Ballroom Basix
Sidney Grant, founder of Ballroom Basix, stated, "Ballroom Basix promotes partner dancing as a social art. Students learn very basic steps. We're really improving relationships, and that's what it's all about. Educators and parents always say our impact is amazing." Rikki Ziegelman, media manager for Ballroom Basix, added, "Students get the chance to show their friends and family after they've learned the steps. They get to interact with students they've never met before." According to the charity's website, the program has already benefited more than 40,000 students across 250 New York City schools.
Promoting New Music and Songwriting
Tavárez, who is signed to Apple's Platoon label, was also in town to promote his new single, the salsa track "Pa'lo Bonito." He led a songwriting class at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem themed around the tune. The 39-year-old also performed the song at Latin Mondays at 5th & Mad alongside Santiago y La Orquesta.
Career Highlights
Although best known for Dyland & Lenny, Tavárez went solo in 2013 and achieved a Latin Billboard number 11 with the hit album The Academy, produced as part of the Latin supergroup The Avengers. A follow-up album released in 2024, The Academy: Segunda Misión, also proved successful, peaking at number 18 on the same chart. His solo albums include Krack, Brillar, and the 2017 extended play LP Pop Pom.
Tavárez is now signed to Apple's Platoon label, which famously first signed superstar singer Billie Eilish. Founded in 2016 by music industry legend Denzyl Feigelson, Platoon also represents British star Jorja Smith and Nigerian Mr Eazi. Current artists on the label include Arya Starr, Kiddo K, Ms Banks, and Lil Silva, among many others.
