Flávia Chi

Flávia’s journey with the Westchester Ballet Company began when her daughter Alice expressed an interest in joining the company in September 2023. After Alice auditioned and was selected to perform as a mouse in The Nutcracker, she felt inspired to volunteer. The backstage experience during the 2023 Nutcracker performances was a profound moment of realization for her. She felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and knew she had found a place that resonated deeply with her lifelong love for dance. Flávia continued to volunteer with WBC throughout the 2023-24 season, working to bring the its Peter and the Wolf to the Grafflin School in May, as well as providing organizational and administrative support for the 2024 Benefit Gala.

Flávia’s passion for ballet started at the age of 5 at Ballet Rosana Abubakir in Salvador, BA, Brazil, where she trained in the Cuban method. As part of the corps de ballet at Ballet Rosana Abubakir, she had the privilege of dancing with some of the most esteemed figures in the dance world, including Ana Botafogo, Cecilia Kerche, Marcelo Misailidis, Ariel Cisneros, Maximiliano Guerra, and Anita Magyari. She proudly showcased her skills at the prestigious Joinville Dance Festival, further solidifying her commitment to the art form. Flávia has also immersed herself in the techniques of Martha Graham and Pina Bausch, performing with Ludmila Pimentel Companhia de Dança and exploring the dynamic interplay between dance and digital technologies.

In addition to her dance background, Flávia holds a degree in Psychology (2004) and a Master’s in Psychological Assessment (2006), both obtained in Brazil. Her 20 years of experience in Clinical and Neuropsychology have equipped her with the skills to support children with learning disabilities, adults, and families. As a psychotherapist, she specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. She also has experience as a professor in Brazil, where she taught neuroscience at the college level. Since moving to the United States in 2015, she has devoted herself to assisting expatriates in navigating their transitions.

Flávia believes that the arts, especially ballet, play a crucial role in the lives of children and young people. Being part of a company like WBC at a young age can provide invaluable benefits, including discipline, teamwork, self-expression, and confidence. The arts are essential in fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness, contributing to the overall development and well-being of children. WBC's community ballet program First Position program exemplifies this commitment by providing free ballet classes and dance wear to children from underserved communities, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of ballet.

Flávia looks forward to working with the Community Outreach Committee, where she can help foster connections and engagement with the wider community. Her unwavering dedication to the arts and her community-driven approach align with the values and goals of Westchester Ballet Company. As a board member, she aims to leverage her extensive experience in dance education, psychology, and community engagement to support the WBC’s mission of making ballet accessible to all. Flávia is passionate about fostering an environment where young dancers can thrive artistically and personally, developing strategic partnerships, and enhancing community involvement.

Flávia’s vision for the WBC is one of growth, inclusivity, and sustainability, ensuring that the joy and discipline of ballet continue to unite and inspire future generations. She is committed to helping WBC uphold its legacy of shared artistic experiences and positive social change.