Jackie Castore
Regional Director of New York City

Jacquelyn has worked alongside individuals with disabilities for more than 10 years, including seven years with Chance 2 Dance. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida Atlantic University, where she was also a member of the FAU dance team for four years.

After college, Jacquelyn danced professionally with the Orlando Magic NBA dance team while serving as a lead instructor for Chance 2 Dance. She later became the organization’s Director of Programs, helping expand its reach and impact.

In 2023, Jacquelyn brought Chance 2 Dance to New York City. Now in her third season as NYC Regional Director, she oversees the organization’s programs and partnerships across all five boroughs. For Jacquelyn, this work is an opportunity to bring together her two greatest passions – dance and supporting individuals with disabilities, to create meaningful opportunities, joyful experiences, and lasting impact.

Lexi Keskeys
Director of Communications & NYC Community Engagement

Lexi Keskeys is a New York City–based actress, singer, dancer, and arts educator whose work spans television, commercials and Off-Broadway. She studied Musical Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Creative Arts Therapy, with a focus on Developmental Psychology, at The New School for Public Engagement, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

A passionate advocate for accessibility and community through the arts, Lexi founded The Next Generation Theatre, a year-round musical theatre program in Maine, at just 16 years old. As an educator, she has created and led theatre and dance programs for diverse communities, including adults with special needs, survivors of human trafficking, refugees, incarcerated teens, war veteran amputees, and children of all ages. Her teaching has taken her across the United States and internationally to Mexico and the Philippines, and most recently to New York City public schools with the Department of Education.

Through both performance and education, Lexi strives to inspire, empower, and foster a lifelong love of the arts. While she is proud of her work as a performer and educator, her favorite role to date is Mum to her daughter, Luisa Pearl.

Jennifer Connelly
Lead Teacher

Jennifer Connelly has a BFA in dance from University of Central Oklahoma. Jen is best known for her work in contemporary dance and Music Theater. She has been a master teacher for over 10 years. Jennifer taught in Oklahoma for over 22 years, competitive and non competitive classes. Her choreography has been nationally awarded on several different professional circuits. She was also an on staff choreographer for Six Flags Parks, on staff choreographer for Silvertree Productions, choreographed and directed for several theaters, was creative director for Racey and worked closely with Race Dance Collective. She is extremely happy for this opportunity to work with Chance 2 Dance and bring smiles to the community!!

Jennifer Trought
Lead Teacher

Jennifer Trought is a passionate dance teacher, choreographer, and fitness instructor with a lifelong love of dance. In 2007, she founded Inspirations in Dance, a successful Staten Island studio where she taught students of all ages and abilities for 15 years. Throughout her career, Jennifer has choreographed and coached for competitions, pageants, high school dance teams, and college organizations, while also bringing dance into local preschools and community programs. Since joining Chance 2 Dance in September 2025, she has found great joy in sharing her passion with individuals of all abilities. Jennifer believes dance is about more than movement—it is a way to build confidence, express emotion, create connections, and celebrate what every dancer can achieve.

Audrey Gavitt
Lead Teacher

Audrey Gavitt (she/her) is a dance artist and educator from Dallas TX where she trained in Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary styles. She holds BA in Dance and Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College, before relocating to NYC. Audrey has a passion for choreography and presents work around the city that combines dance performance and improvisational comedy! She has served as an instructor at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, The Nightingale Bamford school Bay Ridge Ballet and Unite Through Dance. She is an advocate for creating spaces where the powerful tool of dance is accessible to everyone, physically and financially.

Amber Barba
Lead Teacher

Amber Barba is a professional dancer and choreographer with 20 years in the dance industry. With experience from dancing with Walt Disney to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – she also has produced choreography for dance showcases in Brooklyn. Trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and street styles, Amber brings versatility, creativity, and passion to her teaching. She has worked with dancers of all ages and backgrounds and is dedicated to creating an inclusive, inspiring environment where every student can build confidence, discover their unique artistry, and find their voice through dance.

Interested in Becoming a Dance Instructor? Contact Us

Learn more about what it takes to become one of specialized dance instructors, making a huge difference in the lives of many people every day.

Jennifer Connelly
Lead Instructor

Jennifer Connelly has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. She has
worked with all levels and ages in dance and theater. Jen has been recognized
nationally for her work in dance and dance education. She earned her BFA in dance
from the University of Central Oklahoma. Jen has been living and working in the NY and
NJ area for 8 years and looks forward to continue teaching and connecting with
students for many years to come!

Jennifer Connelly
Lead Instructor

Jennifer Connelly has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. She has
worked with all levels and ages in dance and theater. Jen has been recognized
nationally for her work in dance and dance education. She earned her BFA in dance
from the University of Central Oklahoma. Jen has been living and working in the NY and
NJ area for 8 years and looks forward to continue teaching and connecting with
students for many years to come!