2026 New York Showcase: Growing Together in the Big Apple

By Lexi Keskeys, C2D NYC

Celebrating a Year in Motion for C2D NYC

On June 12th, the College of Staten Island Performing Arts Center hosted a truly special occasion.

As I stood backstage watching dancers find their places, families settle into their seats, and our teaching team make final preparations, I couldn’t help appreciate just how far Chance 2 Dance NYC has come since its launch just three short years ago. Our 2026 showcase was our biggest showcase yet, bringing together 140 dancers, seven incredible partner organizations, hundreds of family members, caregivers, staff, supporters, and community members for an unforgettable celebration of inclusive arts.

The excitement was tangible from the moment the doors opened. For many dancers, this was the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and rehearsals. For families, it was a chance to watch their loved ones shine on one of Staten Island’s premier stages. For our teachers, it was the reward that comes from seeing confidence grow week after week in the classroom.

We were honored to welcome Broadway superstar Sherrod Brown as our emcee. Sherrod brought incredible energy, warmth, and enthusiasm to the afternoon, helping make every performer feel like the stars they are.

Shining on Stage

The day would not have been possible without the support of our 2025-2026 season sponsors: Kings Building Materials, The Makeup on Wheels Foundation, The Jordan Fund, Joe Tirone Real Estate Team, and The Staten Island Foundation. Their generosity helps ensure that our dancers continue to have opportunities to learn, perform, and grow through the arts.

A special thank you goes to Stephanie Debes and The Makeup on Wheels Foundation, who helped our dancers get glammed up before the show! Watching dancers beam when they saw themselves in the mirror was one of many beautiful moments throughout the day.

The performances themselves were nothing short of inspiring.

One standout moment came from A Very Special Place Day-Hab, whose dancers performed True Colors, choreographed by Jennifer Connelly. Accompanied by flowing ribbons and graceful movement, the piece beautifully highlighted the individuality and spirit of every performer on stage.

Another unforgettable performance was Jackie Castore’s lyrical choreography to Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen, beautifully executed by PCCS. The piece powerfully captured the universal desire to be seen and understood. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience!

The audience was also treated to a breathtaking solo performance from Francesca Nuccio, the first-ever recipient of the Victoria Strauss Foundation Scholarship. Performing Piece By Piece, Francesca demonstrated remarkable artistry, confidence, and technical skill. Her stunning double pirouettes drew audible cheers from the crowd and left the audience wanting more.

The afternoon concluded with a vibrant celebration of unity as dancers from AHRC took to the stage for We Are, choreographed by Jackie Castore. Bursts of colorful scarves filled the theater as performers moved together in a joyful finale that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

The Heart of Chance 2 Dance

During the event, we also had the opportunity to recognize several individuals and a foundation whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our community:

• Dance Teacher of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Connelly, whose dedication and unwavering belief in her students continues to inspire everyone around her.

• Star Dancer of the Year was presented to Antonio Racos, whose determination has made him a shining example of what Chance 2 Dance is all about.

• Our Impact in Motion Award was proudly presented to The Staten Island Foundation in recognition of their commitment to expanding opportunities and access for individuals with disabilities throughout our community.

Dancing Into Tomorrow

What I’ll remember most, though, isn’t any single performance or award.

It’s the look of pride on a parent’s face. It’s the cheers from peers and caregivers. It’s the aides dancing along in the wings. It’s watching performers encourage one another backstage. It’s seeing confidence grow in real time.

In a world that often focuses on limitations, this day was a reminder of what becomes possible when people are given opportunities, support, and a place to belong.

As part of Chance 2 Dance NYC’s small but mighty team of five, it is an incredible privilege to witness the power of inclusion every day. We see it in our partnerships, our rehearsals, and, on showcase day, under the bright lights of the stage.

The 2026 New York showcase was a spectacular performance, and so much more: it was a celebration of community, perseverance, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to dance!