ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The sunshine state has many dance studios turning kids and teens into trained dancers, giving them the technique and tools to build confidence and succeed.

But over in Maitland, there’s one very unique studio, an inclusive studio designed to give individuals of all abilities a chance to dance.

Flipping through old playbills, Nicole Warren sifts through five years of her studio's productions. 

“Lots of memories here,” said Warren, Founder and Executive Director of Chance 2 Dance. 

“We have had so much growth through such difficult times,” Warren said, pulling out posters of previous shows the studio has put together. 

Warren’s non-profit, Chance 2 Dance, is Florida’s first sensory-friendly, inclusive studio. Her mission of bringing dance to all has spread across Central Florida, though the pandemic did slow them down. 

“Prior to COVID, we had just finished the first inclusive Nutcracker and that went amazing and then COVID hit. And that’s the last time we’ve been on stage,” Warren said. 

But now, a return to the stage is coming soon and just in time for Christmas.

“So every season, we try to do an annual production," Warren said. "And we try to find one that is meaningful and we try to choose one that is relatable for all ages, a real family one. And so this year, we decided to do, inspired by Charlie Brown, a Christmas story. So we’re doing a Charlie Blue!”

They've adapted the story to be inclusive to everyone and every ability — every production they put together is. Warren’s drive to include everyone in her studio runs deep, from an idea that sprang up years earlier.

“I had just graduated from UCF and wanted to use my education degree and so I met Kirk and I became his personal care assistant. And he has severe cerebral palsy, so that’s kind of how the seed was planted to why Chance 2 Dance is here today," Warren said. "And he actually still dances with us, he’ll be on stage in the Charlie Blue production!”

Now, the Charlie Blue production is giving others in the community a chance to shine, too. 

“The story from this Christmas play is all about the love,” said Tristan Barr, who is starring as "Charlie Blue" in the Chance 2 Dance production. 

Tristan Barr runs through his lines carefully, playing the lead role means lots of memorizing. "It can be tricky getting them all right but so worthwhile," he said. 

“So this line is actually the best part because it actually shows the message to everyone out there,” Barr said, pointing to his card with the line "Love. This must be what the spirit of Christmas feels like. I don't feel sad anymore, I feel happy and loved."

Barr’s been dancing at Chance 2 Dance for four years, always careful to focus on form. He said Warren wants to make sure they all do their best.

“Technique is actually the most important part for us because Miss Nicole sees us challenge ourselves and also believes in us,” Barr said. 

Running through the production ahead of the big show takes hours and hours of rehearsing to make sure the play and the dances all go just right. 

“Alright, let’s take it from the top again. Places, action!” Barr calls from the stage. 

He and others here are excited to share their message of love to all this holiday season.

“It makes me very proud, it makes me very humbled,” Warren said. 

Warren said she’s so proud of what's being done here, from the holiday production they’re getting ready to unveil to all the dance and programming that’s accessible to all.

"No matter if whether they have autism or Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deaf or blind, we’re able to work with them on their level and then try to maximize that and build them up. So I think what’s really awesome about the need for this is that it’s created an atmosphere where you can be 100 percent yourself,” Warren said. 

In the past five years, Warren said she’s grateful to see Chance 2 Dance reaching so many in the community, growing to help as many as they can. Seeing what the studio has meant to so many, she said, is nothing short of amazing.

“The message is always love," Warren said. "And that’s what we’re trying to spread here and let everybody have a voice."

The Charlie Blue production takes place on Sunday, December 12 at 2 p.m. at the Ritz Theater in Sanford. Tickets are still available online.

For more information on Chance 2 Dance, tap here.