Miami Moment Spotlight: Armour Dance Theatre
Twenty-five years ago, Ruth Wiesen’s bold vision took root in Little Haiti, continuing the legacy of Armour Dance Theatre as a place where art transforms lives. With early support from Greenberg Traurig and The Women’s Fund, Armour Dance Theatre (then The Miami Conservatory) launched its first Community Program site at Morningside K-8 Academy.
When Camila Gil first volunteered as a ninth grader at Armour Dance Theatre, she never imagined that experience would shape her life’s purpose. Under the mentorship of Ruth Wiesen, whose bold vision had transformed a single portable classroom in Little Haiti into a home where art changes lives, Camila discovered the power of creativity, discipline, and community.
That first classroom, filled not with mirrors, but with books, student art, and inspiration, showed her that dance could be a pathway to confidence, learning, and belonging.
Years later, Camila now leads efforts as Executive Director to expand those same Community Programs, carrying forward Ruth’s legacy of transformation. Today, Armour’s free after-school and summer programs serve 400 students across five Title I schools, blending dance, academics, and social-emotional learning to help every child thrive.
Through mentorship, partnership, and unwavering belief in what’s possible, a single volunteer moment became a lifelong mission.
As we celebrate AFP Miami’s 50 years of philanthropy, we celebrate the ripple of one mentor’s vision that can inspire generations of impact. Thank you to Camila Gil for sharing your story.