Performance Perspectives: Hayley’s Highlights
By Hayley Treen, Florida Studio Ambassador and C2D Dancer
In this special blog entry, Florida Studio ambassador and longtime C2D dancer Hayley Treen reflects on the magic of the annual Spring Showcase. She shares how the meaningful moments with her fellow dancers leave a lasting impact—extending far beyond the spotlight of performance day.
Hayley is a 22-year-old dancer who was born in Texas and raised in the UK after being adopted by a loving and supportive family. She joined Chance 2 Dance in 2019 and has been a dedicated member ever since, performing in nearly every showcase—sometimes twice a year. Hayley is Autistic and lives with a brain injury that causes seizures, as well as multiple rare and complex medical conditions, including POTS syndrome, which requires her to use a wheelchair. She is also profoundly deaf.
Despite the challenges she faces, Hayley’s creativity and love for the arts have always been a driving force in her life. A lifelong lover of music and movement, she has taught herself American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Braille. Known for her vibrant sense of humor, resilience, and artistry, Hayley is a beloved and inspiring member of the C2D family.
Easing Into the Experience
Performance Day is always a highlight. We spend months preparing and then finally get to perform. The teachers also give us a few trial performances in the Black Box at the Studio in front of a small audience. This helps tremendously, especially those of us who haven’t performed before. It makes the day of performance less stressful because we have already been eased into what to expect.
Show Day Surprises and Simple Joys
The day of the performance is always very busy. We check in and then the teachers bring us back to our assigned seating area. I love watching everyone open their gift bags and get excited at what is inside. We also get special show T-shirts that act as our costumes without being scratchy, uncomfortable, and difficult to fit like traditional dance costumes. We have a brief time to settle before we go on stage to practice our pre-bows and bows. This is another thing they do to help us feel more comfortable and less anxious.
Choreography with Compassion
The performance also shows how each student is accommodated according to their own individual needs. I never feel like I am doing less than my classmates because the teachers adapt the dances for my needs as a severely disabled wheelchair user. Overall, the day is always a great time, especially being able to watch our friends in other classes perform and cheer them on. When we finally get to the bows, celebrating the day with everyone is really exciting.
Gratitude in Every Gesture
It is also amazing to see how many volunteers come just to help us out. I am also grateful to all the people who donate and fundraise for us. Without them these events would not be possible. It makes me so proud to perform with my friends and reflect on all I have accomplished to get to this point. Chance 2 Dance has given me a place where I can belong and not be the odd one out. The staff and other students always encourage and support me through both my highs and lows. I am forever thankful for them and all they have done for me.