In Manchester, New Hampshire, six teenage girls took center stage this winter through a unique partnership between the DEA Educational Foundation, DEA Operation Engage, and Granite State Dance Center.

The two-day “DEAEF Goes to Broadway” workshop, held in February and March, introduced students to the fundamentals of tap while delivering a powerful message about making positive, drug-free choices.

Led by Cathy Richard, owner and director of Granite State Dance Center, the workshop blended creativity, connection, and real-world conversations that resonated deeply with participants.

“She's the tap queen,” said Cristine Dhimos, Regional Director of the DEA Educational Foundation. “The girls loved it.”

For many of the teens, the experience went far beyond learning a Broadway-style routine set to “On Broadway.” It created space for honest conversations and meaningful connection.

One of the meaningful parts of the program came during a conversation with Brian O’Keefe, DEA New England’s Community Outreach Specialist, who spoke with the group about substance misuse and the realities teens face today.

“The teens had a real, honest conversation with Brian, and that was very impactful,” Richard said.

That message hit home, especially for older students preparing for life after high school.

“One participant shared that once you become an upperclassman, you don’t hear those reminders to say no as often,” Richard said. “They said it was good to hear that reinforcement again. We had two seniors who also said it was helpful to talk about this before heading to college and living in a dorm.”

The workshop also opened their eyes to risks they may not have fully understood before.

“They gained knowledge about how drugs can be distributed in very sneaky ways, like being slipped into drinks at parties,” Richard said. “We talked about being aware of your surroundings and making choices that keep you out of vulnerable situations.”