High 5 Fridays is Chance 2 Dance’s weekly giving campaign designed to make supporting the arts simple, fun, and impactful. Every Friday, we invite our community to donate in increments of $5 to help bring inclusive dance programs to students with physical and cognitive limitations. Whether it’s $5, $15, $25, or more, each contribution fuels accessible arts education, builds confidence, and creates life-changing opportunities for our dancers. Donors also enjoy special perks like social media shoutouts, raffle entries for Chance 2 Dance merchandise, and recognition for larger gifts. By giving just a few dollars — less than the cost of your favorite coffee — you can make a priceless difference in making the arts accessible to ALL.
Starting something new can be exciting — and a little bit nerve-wracking. At Chance 2 Dance, we understand that stepping into your first inclusive dance class is a big deal, both for students and their families. That’s why we’ve designed our classes to be predictable, welcoming, and joyful from start to finish.
My name is Jacquelyn Castore, and I am the Director of Operations for Chance 2 Dance New York City. This fall marks my sixth season with Chance 2 Dance, and I could not be more grateful for the journey that has brought me here.
In this special blog entry, we hear a personal reflection from Jacky Zhao, C2D NYC dancer and ambassador, and the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award for 2025.
What does it really mean to make the arts inclusive? At C2D NYC, we believe everyone deserves a place on stage — not just as an afterthought, but at the center. Lexi Keskeys shares a powerful reflection on the recent inclusive performance like Deaf Broadway’s Waitress at Lincoln Center, Broadway’s How to Dance in Ohio, and what it means for dancers with disabilities.
At Chance 2 Dance, every month is a celebration of the unique strengths, talents, and voices within our community — but July holds a special place in our hearts. Disability Pride Month is here, and with it comes an opportunity to reflect and continue advocating for a world where everybody can express themselves fully and freely.\\
