10 Years of Inclusion: A Conversation with Nicole Warren, Founder of Chance 2 Dance

By Lexi Keskeys, C2D NYC

This month, I had the privilege of sitting down with Nicole Warren, founder and executive director of Chance 2 Dance — an inclusive dance organization in Central Florida that has spent the past decade redefining what inclusion, artistry, and joy can look like in the world of dance.

As Chance 2 Dance celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we reflect on how one woman’s idea in Central Florida blossomed into a movement spanning two states, hundreds of students, and countless moments of growth and discovery. Over the last ten years, Chance 2 Dance has built a legacy rooted in acceptance, creativity, and the belief that dance truly is for everybody.

Planting the First Seed

Nicole’s journey to founding Chance 2 Dance began not in a studio, but in a living room.

“I had just graduated from UCF with my education degree, but my heart was still in dance,” she recalled. “I found a job posting for what I thought was a tutoring position— it turned out to be a caregiving job for an 18-year-old named Kirk who had severe cerebral palsy.”

That experience changed the course of her life and ultimately, the future of inclusive dance.

“I thought I understood what disability looked like, but I was so wrong,” she admitted.

“Working with Kirk opened my eyes completely. I realized how narrow my understanding of ability was — and how much more connection and creativity were possible when we lead with empathy.”

One night, Nicole invited Kirk and his mother to see her perform in a college dance showcase. “His mom told me afterward that he sat silently the whole show — until I came on stage,” she said softly. “That was his way of cheering for me.”

The next day, a spark lit. “I asked him if he wanted to dance, and he nodded yes. That tiny moment— just a nod — was the seed that grew into Chance 2 Dance. I didn’t have a business plan, I just had that question: “What if dance could help people connect?”

From One Dance Class to an Entire Movement

Armed with that vision, Nicole approached her first partner school — Princeton House Charter, one of the largest autism schools in Florida. She didn’t have a formal curriculum, a website, or even a nameplate.

“I walked in wearing a white T-shirt with a hand-drawn logo and said, ‘I’d love to offer free dance classes for your students.’ They said yes — and that was the start,” she said, laughing.

What began as a handful of students in a borrowed classroom quickly grew. “It was organic,” Nicole said. “Parents talked. Teachers noticed. And before I knew it, we were in multiple schools, community centers, and day programs.”

A decade later, Chance 2 Dance now serves hundreds of students across Florida and New York City, partnering with schools, day facilities, and community organizations to provide inclusive arts education.

“One of our mottos at the studio is ‘Small steps lead to big moves,’” Nicole explained. “We celebrate every bit of progress, whether it’s a dancer taking their first bow, making eye contact for the first time, or moving in sync with their peers. Every moment counts.”

Listening and Evolving

The story of Chance 2 Dance’s inclusive dance programs is one of evolution guided by community.

“Our growth has always been a response to what our dancers and families asked for,” Nicole said. “Our performance team, for example, came from a student named Caleb who wanted to compete. He told me, ‘Everyone gets a gold medal — there’s no real winner.’ I loved that he wanted to be judged by his skill, not his diagnosis.”

That moment inspired Nicole to create a performance team that would compete at mainstream dance competitions — something few adaptive programs had ever attempted. “Watching our dancers take the same stage as their neurotypical peers — and be judged on artistry and expression— was groundbreaking,” she said.

But more than the accolades, it’s the emotional growth that keeps her inspired. “We’ve seen dancers go from refusing to perform to leading entire routines,” Nicole said. “The art of dance becomes a tool for communication, confidence, and self-worth.”

She paused thoughtfully before adding, “I think that’s the secret — Chance 2 Dance has never been about us deciding what people need. It’s been about listening and creating space for every voice.”

Challenges and the Power of Community

No journey that creates systemic change comes without obstacles — and for Chance 2 Dance, sustainability has always been the hardest hurdle.

“Financial support is the biggest challenge,” Nicole said candidly. “Families in our community are often already stretched thin with therapy, healthcare, and adaptive equipment costs. We can’t charge the same rates as typical studios, and we don’t want to. Accessibility has to come first.”

As an inclusive dance nonprofit, that means relying heavily on partnerships, grants, and donor support to keep programs affordable for dancers of all abilities. “Support comes and goes — one donor might fund us for years, then move or retire. So we’re constantly fundraising, writing grants, and getting creative.”

Nicole credits her team for keeping the mission alive. “I’ve done every job in this organization — teacher, marketer, fundraiser— but I couldn’t do it alone,” she said. “Our teachers bring so much heart. They’re not just instructors — they’re advocates, cheerleaders, and collaborators.”

She smiled, recalling the organization’s early days. “I remember calling my friend Lauren three months in, saying, ‘I don’t even know when I’ll be able to pay you, but I need help.’ She said yes. Ten years later, she’s our Artistic Director. That’s the kind of loyalty and belief that built this place.”

Looking Forward: The Future of Adaptive and Inclusive Dance Programing

As Chance 2 Dance celebrates its tenth anniversary, Nicole’s sights are set on the next decade.

“My goal is to keep expanding — thoughtfully,” she said. “When we brought Chance 2 Dance to New York, we were met with so much enthusiasm. There’s clearly a need everywhere for this kind of inclusive arts programming.”

Nicole also envisions a digital future for C2D. “One day, I want to see us offering online classes through an app or platform where dancers around the world can access adaptive dance content,” she said. “During the pandemic, we taught a Down syndrome group in Saudi Arabia over Zoom. That was a huge ‘aha’ moment for me — connection doesn’t have borders.”

She paused, smiling. “But no matter how we grow, the heart of C2D will always stay the same: creating joy, community, and belonging through movement.”

Chance 2 Dance: A 10-Year Legacy of Belonging

When asked what she’s most proud of, Nicole didn’t hesitate.

“I’m proud that we’ve built a community rooted in belonging,” she said. “People walk through our doors and immediately feel like they’re part of something bigger. That’s what I wanted from the very beginning.”

Her message to everyone who’s been part of the C2D journey is simple and heartfelt:

“Gratitude. I’m grateful for every teacher, every dancer, every parent, every donor, every volunteer. People didn’t have to show up — but they did. And because of that, we’ve changed lives.”

She smiled. “When I started, I just thought, let’s dance. I had no idea it would grow into this. But what a beautiful thing it’s become.”

In celebrating ten years of Chance 2 Dance’s inclusive arts programs, Nicole isn’t just looking back — she’s setting the stage for dancers, teachers, and dreamers to take the spotlight.

Chance 2 Dance began as one person asking, What if?

Ten years later, it’s a movement answering, Everyone can.