Founded in Hangzhou by Ava Tandiono in April 2023, Chance to Dance is an organisation based in Hong Kong which provides less fortunate children with the opportunity to attend ballet lessons. Our journey began with a vision to uplift underprivileged children through the art of ballet. We equip them with all the necessary tools and guidance to embark on this transformative experience.
Starting in Zhejiang Hengfan Primary School in Hangzhou, Chance to Dance soon expanded to teach children in Hong Kong and in Yayasan Felicia Angel Kids Orphanage, Jakarta, Indonesia. Partnering with Tong Sam Charity Association, we have had 3 batches of LEVEL 1 classes held in Tuen Mun from March to June and Kwun Tong from July to September, and November to December. Furthermore, we started our LEVEL 2 class with students who completed LEVEL 1 in February 2025. We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring the joy of dance to these children and it is so rewarding to see their energy and potential come to life through these lessons.
Chance to Dance hosted a fundraising bake sale and used books sale and raised over $3000. We received $50,000 from successfully applying for the CIS Student Dream fund twice. We are so grateful for the CIS Annual Fund’s endless support over this past year, allowing us to teach ballet with all finances covered, including studio rental fees and ballet attire for all participating students. Every step the students take, every movement they make, is a testament to their growth and resilience. As they gracefully pirouette through challenges, they discover their inner strength and beauty.
Chance to Dance started off as a personal project, and has developed into a 3 person team in the end of 2023, and a 7 person team in Summer of 2024. We are not just teaching ballet, we are instilling empowerment. With each plié and grand jeté, they are learning to believe in themselves and their boundless potential.
Founder // Head of Operations // Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Ava Tandiono and I am the Founder and CEO of Chance to Dance! I am a Y12 student at CIS and my favourite ballet piece is La Bayadère. Ballet has been a part of my life since I was 2, and ballet has become not just a hobby for me, but a way of life — an outlet for self-expression and a source of endless joy. I started Chance to Dance as I believe ballet has a transformative potential which can empower and uplift young girls.
Joined Aug 2023 // Head of Marketing
Hi everyone! My name is Bernice Chan, and I am the Chief Marketing Officer of Chance to Dance! I am currently a Y12 student in Chinese International School, and I did tap up until I was 12 years old. I am interested in graphic design and social media marketing, so I'm excited to express my interests while providing underprivileged students a Chance to Dance!
Head of Finance // Teacher // Joined Aug 2023
Hi everyone! I'm Cassie Cheung, the Chief Financial Officer of Chance to Dance. I am currently in Chinese International School as a Y12 student. I've participated in dance classes ever since I was 3 and I completed Grade 8 of RAD Ballet in 2021. My favourite ballet pieces are Balanchine's Jewels and Hong Kong Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. I'm extremely grateful that CTD has given me the chance to reconnect with ballet as a hobby and I am excited to provide more youth with the same opportunities!
Joined Aug 2024// Events Manager
Hi everyone! I'm Elizabeth, a Year 12 student at Chinese International School. I'm beyond excited to be taking on the role of Events Manager, where I can combine experience from ballet and jazz with my passion for organizing exciting events. I hope to create unforgettable experiences that inspire children to discover their passions and embrace the joy of dance!!
Teacher // Joined Aug 2024
Hey everyone! I’m Faye, a Y11 student at Chinese International School, and I can’t wait to start teaching with Chance to Dance this summer. I started ballet when I was 4 years old, and have since explored other forms of dance such as jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. I believe that as a creative expression and outlet, dance is able to teach resilience, artistry and individuality starting from a young age, which I hope to share with these students throughout each class.
Joined Aug 2024// Teacher
Hi everyone, I’m Jacqueline and I am a Year 11 student in Chinese International School. I will be joining Chance to Dance as a teacher. I have always enjoyed dance since I was a baby, and despite not taking lessons anymore, I am excited to continue my hobby through teaching ballet to young kids! I am honored to be able to give them the chance to try out ballet and I can’t wait to give them fun and lasting memories.
Events Manager // Joined Aug 2024
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren and I am the events manager at Chance to Dance! I am a Y11 student at Chinese International School and have loved dance since I was a child. I am looking forward to planning events that provide underprivileged children with exposure and opportunities to have fun and dance!