PLAINVILLE, CT – A now-viral video from Dance Xpressions, a dance studio in Plainville, Connecticut, has sparked widespread outrage after a young biracial girl was seemingly excluded from a post-performance celebration by her instructor, Nadia Boucher. The incident, which has ignited a social media storm, involves Boucher hugging all of the white children in the dance group but ignoring Shaniah, the only biracial child in the group, when she reached in for a hug. The heartbroken mother of Shaniah, Melissa Breglia, has shared the distressing video online, calling attention to the exclusion and raising serious concerns about racial bias.

In this comprehensive examination, we will explore the details surrounding this incident, from the moments captured on video to the reaction from the community, the broader societal implications of racial exclusion, and the legal and cultural consequences of such behavior.

The Incident: A Shocking Moment of Exclusion

The incident occurred after a dance recital at Dance Xpressions, a well-known dance studio in Plainville, a small town in central Connecticut. The event took place on March 28, 2025, and was intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the young dancers after a performance. In the viral video, Nadia Boucher, the dance instructor, can be seen hugging several of her students, expressing joy and appreciation for their hard work.

However, one child was not included in the celebration—Shaniah, a 7-year-old biracial girl. As the video progresses, Shaniah reaches toward Boucher, hoping for a hug, but the instructor ignores her entirely. The exclusion is especially striking because Shaniah is the only child of color in the group.

The video quickly caught the attention of viewers online, with many people expressing shock and disbelief over the incident. Shaniah’s mother, Melissa Breglia, shared the video on social media, revealing her heartache and calling out the instructor for her discriminatory behavior.

“I don’t care if it was a mistake or if it was accidental, it doesn’t matter. My daughter felt unwanted, and this is not okay,” Breglia wrote in her post. “As a mother, I’m heartbroken to see my child left out simply because of the color of her skin.”

Breglia’s post garnered thousands of shares and comments, and the video quickly spread across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, sparking a larger conversation about racial bias and discrimination in schools, extracurricular activities, and the broader community.

The Response: Outrage and Support

The video’s widespread circulation led to an outpouring of support for Shaniah and her family. Social media users were quick to condemn the actions of Nadia Boucher, with many calling for her to be held accountable for her behavior. Commenters shared their own experiences of racial exclusion, reflecting how common and harmful such behavior can be in various spaces, including schools, workplaces, and social settings.

“I’ve experienced similar moments in my own life,” one commenter wrote. “It’s subtle but harmful, and it stays with you. Children notice these things, and they shouldn’t have to deal with exclusion.”

In addition to the online outrage, several organizations and advocacy groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Stop AAPI Hate, issued statements in support of Shaniah and condemning racial bias in children’s activities. These groups emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all children, regardless of their racial background.

However, the incident also sparked a more nuanced discussion about the role of intentional versus unintentional discrimination. While some commentators were quick to label the incident as blatant racism, others speculated that it might have been an unconscious oversight or an inadvertent mistake.

“This is an important moment for self-reflection,” said Dr. Sandra Williamson, a sociologist and race relations expert. “Racial bias can manifest in many ways, sometimes unconsciously, and it’s essential to have open discussions about how these biases affect children. Whether this was intentional or not, it is still harmful to the child who was excluded.”

Nadia Boucher’s Response: Apology or Justification?

As the viral backlash continued to grow, Nadia Boucher issued a statement through her attorney. The statement described her actions as a “regrettable mistake” and expressed her deep sorrow for any hurt caused to Shaniah and her family. Boucher explained that the exclusion was not intentional, claiming that she was focused on other students in the moment and did not realize that Shaniah had reached out for a hug.

“I want to sincerely apologize to Shaniah and her family for the pain I have caused,” Boucher’s statement read. “It was never my intention to exclude anyone, and I deeply regret that my actions were misinterpreted. I care about every one of my students and their well-being.”

Despite the apology, many in the community found the response insufficient, given the severity of the incident. Critics pointed out that Boucher’s explanation did not address the broader issue of systemic racism in educational and extracurricular environments and questioned whether the apology was motivated by public pressure rather than genuine remorse.

“I don’t think an apology is enough. This was a public act of exclusion, and it needs to be publicly acknowledged and addressed properly,” one local resident commented. “If it had been any other child, would the outcome have been different?”

Shaniah’s Experience: Emotional Impact

While Shaniah has not publicly spoken about the incident, her mother, Melissa Breglia, has shared the emotional toll it has taken on her daughter. According to Breglia, Shaniah was devastated by the exclusion and felt rejected by someone she had looked up to as a role model.

“Shaniah came home and told me that the teacher didn’t hug her,” Breglia shared. “She didn’t understand why, and she said it made her feel sad and unwanted. As a mother, it broke my heart to see my daughter experience that, especially in an environment that should be positive and supportive.”

The emotional impact on children of being excluded based on race or appearance is significant. Studies have shown that even subtle instances of racial discrimination can affect children’s self-esteem, sense of belonging, and social development. For Shaniah, who had already been navigating the complexities of her biracial identity, this experience may have exacerbated the challenges she faces in feeling fully accepted in predominantly white spaces.

Racial Bias and Discrimination in Youth Sports and Activities

This incident raises important questions about racial bias and discrimination in children’s activities and spaces. In schools, sports teams, and extracurricular programs, children of color are often subjected to implicit or explicit forms of exclusion. Such incidents can occur in seemingly innocuous situations, such as receiving praise, recognition, or, as in this case, a simple hug.

Experts in racial dynamics and child psychology emphasize the long-term effects that these types of experiences can have on young people. According to Dr. Karen Williams, a child psychologist, “Exclusion, especially in formative years, sends powerful messages to children about their worth. When children are excluded or ignored because of their race, it can lead to a deep sense of inferiority and contribute to internalized racism.”

The broader issue of racial bias in youth activities highlights the need for systemic changes in how children are taught to interact with one another, particularly in integrated environments. Efforts to promote racial equity in schools, youth sports leagues, and other child-centered spaces have been ongoing for years, but incidents like this underscore the need for continued vigilance and education on inclusivity.

Legal and Social Implications: Could There Be Legal Action?

Following the incident, there have been questions about whether legal action should be taken against Nadia Boucher and Dance Xpressions. While the act of exclusion may not be illegal under current laws, many argue that it could be considered a form of discrimination, especially if it was determined that racial bias was involved.

Legal experts believe that civil rights lawsuits based on racial discrimination could potentially be pursued, especially if it is shown that Boucher’s actions were motivated by racial prejudice. Additionally, some community members have suggested that the incident could lead to calls for policy reforms in dance schools and other extracurricular activities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity.

While no formal legal action has been taken at the time of writing, the incident has raised awareness about the potential for legal recourse in cases of racial exclusion and bias in educational settings.

The Road Ahead: Moving Toward Inclusivity and Healing

As this incident continues to unfold, there are several paths forward for both Shaniah and the Plainville community. Efforts to support Shaniah and her family through fundraising, counseling, and advocacy are underway, with many expressing hope that this event will lead to greater conversations about race, inclusion, and the treatment of children in educational environments.

For Nadia Boucher, the path forward will likely involve reflection, accountability, and potentially facing further consequences from both legal and social standpoints. Her actions have sparked discussions that go beyond her individual behavior, addressing broader societal issues related to racism and discrimination in spaces meant to foster growth and creativity.

The Plainville community, having been shaken by this incident, will need to come together to address the root causes of racial bias, ensuring that children of all backgrounds feel safe, included, and respected in every space they occupy. Whether through education, community engagement, or policy changes, this incident may serve as a catalyst for broader change in how we approach racial equity and inclusion in youth activities.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Exclusion

The story of Shaniah and Nadia Boucher serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of racial exclusion in everyday life, particularly in spaces that should promote joy, creativity, and personal growth. As society grapples with these difficult issues, it is crucial to recognize the emotional and psychological impact of exclusion, especially on young children who are still developing their sense of identity and belonging.

As this incident continues to unfold, the hope is that it leads to greater awareness, systemic change, and a renewed commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all children, regardless of their race or background.