“Speechless,” an inaugural benefit to fund the launch of the Gavrilov Dance program for children will special needs, will be held May 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hudson Dance Studio in Edgewater, New Jersey. The event will feature performances by professional dancers as well as performance from Gavrilov with one of his local students with special needs.

The program reflects the mission of ballroom dance teacher Alexey Gavrilov, who has taught children with disabilities on the West Coast and hopes to provide a similar opportunity for children in New Jersey and New York.

“Every child is special and an artist,” he says. “Dance focuses on the ability of the individual rather than on the disability. I am committed to creating a dance studio that encourages these amazing children to overcome their fears, a place where they develop and strengthen their mind and body while discovering the artist in themselves.”

Hudson Dance Studio is located just over the Hudson River at 986 River Rd., accessible by the NY Waterway- Edgewater Ferry Landing stop. For more info, call 201-446- 2763 or visit GavrilovDance.com.