Finding My Purpose Through Dance and Community: My Journey with Chance 2 Dance
By Jacquelyn Castore, C2D NYC
Early Passions and Discovering My Calling
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.
I was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, but my path first took me to Florida, where I attended Florida Atlantic University to earn my degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Special Education. While there, I also danced for the university for four years, merging my two passions: dance and working with the special needs community.
From a very young age, I knew this was my calling. I started volunteering with individuals with special needs when I was just 13 years old, and by 17, I was already working at a public school assisting with the ESE groups as a Musical Theater teacher. I never questioned what I wanted to do in life—it was always this.
In 2018, I began dancing professionally for the Orlando Magic NBA Dance Team, and it was through that experience that I first crossed paths with Chance 2 Dance. The organization performed at one of our halftime routines, and from the moment I met founder and executive director Nicole Warren, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of long-term.
Resilience, Growth, and Leadership in Florida
At first, I was on track to become a special education teacher, but the more I learned about Chance 2 Dance, the more I realized I wanted to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities outside of school systems and in community spaces where joy, creativity, and connection could thrive.
My first season with Chance 2 Dance in Florida came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, our team came together to make sure our students had access to safe, engaging, and uplifting classes at a time when they needed us most. That season tested us, but it also bonded us in ways I will never forget. It showed me the power of resilience, creativity, and teamwork and reinforced why this work is so deeply important.
From that point on, our team became unstoppable. What started as strong working relationships grew into something much deeper: we became a family, united with our students and their families. Nicole played a pivotal role in my growth, not only as a teacher but as a leader. She showed me the importance of showing up for myself and for my team, and how to harness my strengths to become the best version of myself no matter what anyone else said or thought.
This mindset carried us far beyond the pandemic and set us on a truly creative and inspirational path together. I soon stepped into the role of Director of Programs for Chance 2 Dance Florida, which gave me the opportunity to grow in new ways beyond teaching. I learned the importance of community, organization, mindfulness, and being able to teach in my own way while also being a force as a leader in the community.
Expanding to New York
As much as I loved Florida, New York was always calling me home. I felt conflicted because Chance 2 Dance was such a major part of my life and I wasn’t ready to give it up, but I knew I eventually wanted to return to New York, where my whole family lived. Deciding to expand C2D to a new city was one of the scariest decisions I have ever made. Once I shared the idea with Nicole, she was nothing but supportive. She encouraged my dreams, gave me every opportunity to learn how to start from scratch in a new city, and together we took a huge leap of faith.
My first responsibilities were to reach out to anyone I could in the NYC area and start creating connections and networking from Florida. I knocked on doors, flew back and forth for meetings, and offered trial classes anywhere that would have me. Once we got our first partnership in Manhattan, I finally felt the confidence that this was going to work and that we had made the right decision together.
In 2023, Chance 2 Dance New York officially launched, and I knew instantly that this was where I was meant to be. Today, as we enter our third season in NYC, we have almost 30 community partnerships and 500 students enrolled, a team of five amazing teachers in New York, alongside our Florida family who continues to support us.
Purpose, Gratitude, and the Future
What makes Chance 2 Dance so special is that we aren’t just teaching dance—we are changing perspectives. We are proving that individuals with disabilities are capable of living extraordinary, fulfilling lives filled with joy, creativity, and opportunity. We are bridging a gap in society, showing the world that individuals who may face challenges are still more than capable, and they deserve opportunities to do what makes them happy and shine, just like everyone else.
For me, going to work every day is truly a privilege. Watching my students’ joy and growth is absolutely priceless, and I can say with full confidence that I would not want to be doing anything else. Although I put my professional dance career on hold to dedicate myself fully to this mission, I have no regrets. This work fills my heart in ways I can’t describe and gives me a sense of purpose. I know wholeheartedly that I am living the life I am supposed to be living.
As we celebrate Chance 2 Dance’s 10-year anniversary this season, I want to say how grateful I am for Nicole’s mentorship and belief in me, for my students and their families, for my colleagues and team members, and for this beautiful community we are building together—and will not stop building.
The past decade has been incredible, and I know the future holds even more growth, creativity, and impact. Thank you, Chance 2 Dance, for everything you have done for all of us.
Happy 10-Year Anniversary, Chance 2 Dance, I love you!