Giving Thanks for Chance 2 Dance: Keren’s Story
By Keren Hernandez, C2D FL Studio Dancer
In this special Thanksgiving blog entry, we hear from Keren — a dancer at our C2D Florida studio whose journey reminds us why our mission matters so deeply. Born with a rare brain malformation called closed-lip schizencephaly, Keren has navigated challenges with determination, creativity, and a love for dance that has shaped her life in incredible ways.
Here, Keren shares her story in her own words.
Early Love for Dance
Little Keren would be in shock if she knew the accomplishments and dreams I’ve made happen for her. Dancing is one of them. Growing up, I blasted music on my iPod Touch in my bedroom, dancing and coming up with routines to show my mom. I even did dance-workout videos on YouTube by a creator named Fitness Marshall.
When I was young, I danced at a local studio and tried ballet, tap, and jazz, but it was a lot of work for my mom to keep up with, and ballet and tap just weren’t my thing.
One day in 6th grade, after watching a random hip-hop dance video on YouTube, I told my mom that I wanted to take a hip-hop class. She was unsure at first because she didn’t know if I would be physically able to do it.
I was born with closed-lip schizencephaly, which is a congenital brain malformation where a cleft in the brain’s hemisphere is lined with gray matter that touches instead of being separated by fluid.
But I kept asking, and eventually she found a breakdancing-style hip hop class at a church. She took me — and halfway through the class, I sat down because I couldn’t do half of the things the instructor was doing. My mom cried. She wanted so badly for me to succeed.
Finding Chance 2 Dance
After more research, my mom found Chance 2 Dance, back when the studio was located in Casselberry. Around October 2018, I went to my first hip hop class. I loved it. My mom said my face was glowing afterward.
About a week later, I showed her a dance I had “choreographed” to Too Much by Zendaya, and she suggested I show Ms. Andrea, my dance instructor at the time. I did — and afterward, Ms. Andrea asked if I’d like to take a choreography class. Of course I said yes.
Ms. Nicole told me I was the first dancer to ever express interest in something like that. I started taking a private choreography class, first with Ms. Nicole and then with Ms. Jackie, where I learned how to choreograph and understand the concepts behind creating a dance.
Growing as a Dancer
I performed my first solo dance, choreographed by Ms. Jackie with my help, at the opening of the Maitland studio location to the song Fight Song by Rachel Platten.
A year later, I joined the Performance Team, where we performed at events and competitions. Once I got comfortable, I also began competing with solo dances. Alongside my classes at C2D, I also joined the dance club at my high school.
I am very grateful for Chance 2 Dance. They didn’t just help me improve my dancing — they helped me get stronger physically, improved my balance, and increased my flexibility. Dance became my escape from reality, especially when I struggled with personal things. Whenever I’m upset, I turn on music.
I also have ADHD, so my brain never shuts off. But dance gives me the peace I crave.
College and Continued Creativity
I’m currently in college and had to take a year off from Chance 2 Dance because I was away at a different school. I missed it so much that I started my own dance club at my old college called Dance Express, and I choreographed my first group dance to Confident by Justin Bieber.
I’m taking one dance class right now, but when my life gets less busy, I hope to rejoin the Performance Team.
During this season of thanks, I would like to thank Chance 2 Dance, for pushing me past my limits and lifting my spirits when they were low. Little Keren — and present Keren — thank you.