On Sunday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m., the FREE Players Dance Troupe, in conjunction with the Dance Workshop of Deer Park, presented “Dance with Inspiration” at Bayway Arts Center, located at 265 E. Main Street, East Islip. This family-friendly, inclusive event was the first of its kind, highlighting all skill levels and abilities. While comprising seasoned performers, this was the premiere showcase for the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) troupe, performing a choreographed dance recital with experienced dancers from the prestigious Dance Workshop. While this was an uplifting experience for the audience and an accomplishment for all dancers involved, it underscored the talents of dancers of all abilities, who collaborated to support and bring out the best in each other.

Christina Leuck-McGovern, Dance Workshop of Deer Park Inc. studio owner and director, was elated with how this first event transpired and is looking forward to the next inclusive event in collaboration with FREE. “They reached out to me looking to bring dance to the program. There have been show recitals in the past featuring people with disabilities, but this is the first time we’ve integrated regular dancers with disabled,” explained Leuck-McGovern about why this was such a milestone occasion.

This first showcase has been so successful that it inspired the owner of Dance Workshop—who has been in business at her Deer Park studio for almost 30 years—to incorporate more all-abilities dance classes and to potentially partner with similar integrated, all-abilities programs. “The outpouring of support from everyone has been amazing. I’ve been getting phone calls from other facilities who want to do something similar,” she said.

The multitalented Jason Greenberg, who performed a solo at the show and designed a T-shirt for the event, said, “I just feel so happy, excited, and proud of myself.”

Another member of the FREE Dance Troupe echoed the sentiments of most dancers who participated in this enriching performance—which brought out the best in everyone—exemplifying the magic of the fluid art form to unite and inspire. “Dancing is my life. Dancing is my passion,” said Leah Saitta,

For more information contact danceworkshopinfo12@gmail.com. To inquire about tickets for upcoming shows go to ticketsales@familyres.org.