A talented team of young dancers from Astoria is heading to the finals of a competitive citywide dance contest — and they’re using their moves to spark meaningful conversations about mental health.
The Take It Personal (TIP) youth dance team from HANAC Astoria Cornerstone has been named one of the top 10 finalists in the Step it Up NYC dance competition. The final showcase will take place on June 21 in Washington Heights, where the team will compete for a trophy, cash prize and citywide recognition.
Comprised of 15 middle and elementary school students, TIP stood out among more than 50 teams across the five boroughs. This year’s competition theme, Mental Health and Wellness, challenged youth performers to explore mental health issues through choreography and community engagement.
In addition to their stage routines, teams were tasked with launching a social campaign. TIP responded with creativity and care, hosting a mental health-themed trivia night for the community that featured guest speakers and open conversations about emotional wellness.
“They are excited, and maybe a little nervous, but they’ve channeled their energy into something really positive,” said Steven Skipper, who has coached and choreographed for TIP over the past two years. “We’re not just focusing on insecurity—we’re showing how to transform it into strength through dance.”
Skipper said TIP primarily performs hip-hop routines, but their repertoire also includes lyrical, praise dancing, majorette, and ballet. He said the team’s name reflects their purpose.
“Take It Personal is a mindset,” Skipper said. “We teach them to connect emotionally with every performance—every move has intention. We want them to take their craft personally, because that’s how real growth happens.”
The journey to the finals began last winter, when TIP took a leap of faith and auditioned for Step it Up NYC. After advancing through two competitive rounds in December and January, the dancers have spent months rehearsing and refining their final performance.
“It’s been a beautiful process,” Skipper said. “Just seeing their growth, and having the support of our director and the HANAC program, has meant everything.”
HANAC Astoria Cornerstone is part of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s (DYCD) Cornerstone Initiative, which provides year-round programming for young people ages 5–24 living in NYCHA developments. The center offers a wide array of youth programs, including the Together We Rise Dance Company, a hydroponic science lab and the Young Men’s Initiative.
