HARTFORD, CT — A video recorded during a recent dance competition in Hartford has triggered widespread backlash after it showed a coach embracing several young dancers onstage—while visibly bypassing a 6-year-old Black girl, prompting accusations of exclusion and sparking global support for the child.
The competition involved dancers from Dance Xpressions, a studio based in Plainville.
The incident occurred during an award ceremony, where the coach was seen hugging every dancer except one: 6-year-old Shaniah.
Footage later shared to TikTok captured the moment, with Shaniah visibly leaning toward the coach for a hug but receiving no acknowledgment. The video has since been viewed over 4 million times.
According to her mother, Melissa Breglia, Shaniah had asked why she was the only dancer not hugged, despite performing her routine and smiling throughout. Following the event, Breglia confronted the coach, who denied wrongdoing.
Initially uncertain about her reaction, Breglia said a video sent by another spectator confirmed her concerns. She later posted the footage online.
Within days, Dance Xpressions’ social media accounts were removed or made inaccessible. The studio’s voicemail was also full when contacted.
Shortly after the video went viral, Breglia received written notice that her daughters had been dismissed from the program. The letter cited aggression toward staff but did not acknowledge the onstage incident.
The video has drawn comments and messages from viewers in several countries, including Australia, Germany, and Ghana, according to Breglia. As her family searches for a new studio, support continues to pour in from around the world.
