About Tanner Linton 
Tanner is a Direct Support Professional at The Arc’s Community Arts Connection (CAC) and enjoys a plethora of art types including music, dance, and art. Tanner has been playing instruments since he was a kid – playing trumpet since 5th grade. He’s a born stage performer, taking part in musicals, choir, bands, and even being the lead beatboxer in an A Capella group. When it comes to art and dance, Tanner is self-taught. Some of his favorites include painting custom sneakers and adding bling and rhinestones to jackets! Fun fact – Tanner has been performing as a Drag King since 2012. Taking on the stage name “Tayler Mayde,” he’s the former National Titleholder of Mister Gay United States M.I. 2023 and continues to host and perform in drag shows locally and out of state. In addition to his artistic hobbies, Tanner also enjoys playing pool and fishing. His theme music would be “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore or “The Beat Goes On (Michael Jackson)” by Cash Cash. Tanner is excited to be a part of Dancing with The Arc this year because the showcase allows everyone to embrace their authentic selves and empower them to shine bright in their own way.

About Carly Cerasuolo
Carly is a Manager at The Arc’s Community Connections and formerly the Dance Coordinator at Community Arts Connection. Carly started dancing at the age of 3 and grew up dancing at a local competitive studio, Little Red Dance Studio, training in jazz, tap, ballet, modern dance, and gymnastics. She went to college for Dance Performance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and later moved to New York City to become a member of the modern dance company, Time Lapse Dance. Carly and her team there performed across the United States, touring for almost 6 years, even being featured in a documentary film, Obsessed with Light, before she began teaching dance throughout Rochester studios. Outside of work, Carly enjoys trying new foods, wineries/breweries, and supporting her friends and bars around town. She has been bartending since she was 17 and has a love for the restaurant industry. She and her fiancé are also coffee lovers and enjoy trying a new coffee shop and breakfast sandwich every weekend! If Carly had to choose a theme song, she would select something from Broadway as she is obsessed with Chicago and High School Musical. Her favorite part about Dancing with The Arc is watching the people supported share their creative ideas and passion for arts with the community, as well as building relationships with the celebrities throughout the journey. 

About Julie Keeney
Julie is The Arc’s Fitness and Recreation Specialist at Ballantyne Day Services. Julie has been dancing since she was 3 years old and later earned her BFA in Dance from SUNY Brockport. After graduating, she taught ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, tap and jazz at a local studio. Five years ago, Julie fulfilled her dream of opening DanceCore in Canandaigua, where she offers dance and fitness classes to people of all ages and abilities. When she’s not in the studio, she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends, playing with her granddaughter, and relaxing at the pool. If she had to choose a theme song, she would select music from Rocky, as it inspires her to persevere on long days. Julie deeply values the sense of camaraderie at Dancing with The Arc and getting to share her love of dance with everyone in a fun environment. She says she especially enjoys helping people discover their strengths within dance and fostering a great sense of community. 

About Grace Burkin
Grace is a Social Work and Dance student at Nazareth University. As a child, Grace danced at a local studio and participated in her high school’s theater program. She has also studied dance throughout both high school and college. When not at school or in the dance studio, Grace enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with her cats. If she had to choose a theme song, she would select multiple songs by Harry Styles – you can’t pick just one! Grace loves Dancing with The Arc because she’s able to create close relationships with the team and collaborate with the dancers to create a piece they are excited to perform. 

About Gio Battaglia
Gio is a Rochester native and former Dancing with The Arc dancer, partnered last year with Georgana Morsch from LifePrep@Naz. His day job is a Multimedia Journalist at News 8 WROC, including the host of his own podcast, “Behind the Curtain with Gio Battaglia.” Outside of the newsroom, Gio enjoys singing at open mic nights, shopping, and obsessing over the latest news from Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. He’s personally choreographed full performances of his own versions of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour & Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet Tour.

About Kennedy Tye
Kennedy has dedicated 24 years to mastering dance at Avon’s Dance Emporium, excelling in styles from Ballet to Hip Hop. A passionate performer and inspiring role model, she’s earned multiple scholarships and competed internationally. Kennedy even danced with tWitch, known as Ellen’s DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Kennedy now runs Dance Emporium’s Competition Team, receiving awards specifically in the Hip Hop category. When she isn’t working, Kennedy enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing and listening to music, specifically Rap, Pop, and Ballad.  She’s brand new with us, and we can’t wait to see her in action!