Jessica J. Silva
Cultural Programming Director| CREATIVE PRODUCER| INSTRUCTOR | Choreographer | CASTING | TALENT MANAGEMENT
Areas of Expertise
Cultural Programming
Community Engagement
Choreography
Creative Direction
Event Production
Museum Programming
Arts Education
Afro-Latin Cultural Experiences
School Assemblies
Interactive Audience Experiences
Public Speaking & Hosting
Dance Instruction & Facilitation
Specializing in immersive Afro-Latin cultural experiences that bring people together through music, movement, and shared participation.
Jessica Silva is a New York-based cultural programming director, creative producer, choreographer, and dance educator specializing in Afro-Latin dance, community engagement, and immersive cultural experiences.
As the owner and director of Balmir Dance Company, Jessica has spent more than a decade creating programs that bridge performance, education, and community engagement. Her work transforms audiences from passive observers into active participants, creating meaningful experiences that foster connection, cultural appreciation, and collective joy.
Jessica is best known as the longtime host and producer of the Brooklyn Museum Salsa Parties, where she has welcomed and guided thousands of participants through interactive cultural experiences that celebrate Afro-Latin music, dance, and community.
Her work extends beyond museums into schools, colleges, community organizations, festivals, and corporate environments, where she designs and facilitates programs that make cultural experiences accessible, engaging, and memorable for diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether leading a room of twenty participants or a crowd of hundreds, Jessica's work is rooted in a simple belief:
Human connection is one of the most powerful forces available to us, and movement is one of its most universal languages.
Brooklyn Museum Salsa Party
Since 2018, Jessica has served as host and producer of the Brooklyn Museum Salsa Party series, creating immersive cultural experiences that combine live music, dance instruction, social dancing, audience engagement, and community participation.
The program has welcomed thousands of attendees and has become one of the museum's most recognized community-centered cultural offerings..
FEATURED WORK
With over 20 years of experience working with children ages 2 and up, Jessica brings cultural storytelling, dance, and guided participation to life through engaging school assemblies. Her confident public speaking and strong classroom management skills allow her to do more than teach movement—she captures students’ attention, sets clear expectations, and guides large groups with warmth and structure. The result is a joyful cultural experience where students feel included, stay engaged, and learn together.
SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
BROOKLYN, MANHATTAN, BRONX, QUEENS
Jessica brings energy, warmth, and confident event hosting to corporate gatherings through interactive dance experiences. Combining clear instruction with her public speaking and group management skills, she creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone—from first-time dancers to seasoned movers—can participate comfortably. Whether leading a team-building workshop or getting the room moving at a company celebration, Jessica helps colleagues connect, celebrate, and share a memorable experience through music and movement.