For Nicole Warren, dance has always been more than movement. It has been a source of confidence, connection, and transformation. What began as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong mission to create a space where everyone, regardless of ability, could experience the joy and power of dance.
That mission became Chance 2 Dance, an inclusive, sensory-friendly dance studio based in Central Florida that empowers individuals with disabilities through high-quality, accessible dance instruction. Founded in 2016, the program began with just eight students and has since grown to serve more than 1,400 dancers of all ages and abilities. Each class is led by instructors who are certified in special needs and inclusion training and who create supportive environments for dancers to thrive both artistically and personally.
Nicole’s vision started with a simple question: “If dance helped me, what if dance could help people with disabilities?” From that spark, she built a program that not only teaches movement but also nurtures confidence, creativity, and community. “It helps the whole person — cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically,” Nicole explains. “We do it in a way that helps people feel loved, seen, and respected.”
From the very beginning, United Arts believed in that vision. “Before I even had a studio, they were one of our very first donors,” Nicole recalls. Through mentorship, grants, and professional development programs, United Arts helped Chance 2 Dance grow into one of Florida’s leading examples of inclusion in the arts.
Today, Chance 2 Dance continues to expand its reach and impact, with community programs, partnerships, and performances that celebrate every body and every story. With support from United Arts, Nicole and her team are proving that the arts are for everyone — and that when you give people a chance to dance, you give them a chance to shine.
Together, we can make art thrive.
When you give to United Arts, you help create opportunities for every artist and every body to shine.
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