PORTSMOUTH — Sixteen-year-old Henry Denis had just acknowledged the wild applause after singing a stirring version of “L-O-V-E” to Jill Merlin and Colleen Monahan, when Sue Young suddenly came rushing up the stairs to the “ballroom” of the CFP Arts, Wellness and Community Center.

“Henry — you didn’t wait for me!” exclaimed Young, a ballroom dance and Zumba instructor at the center who led the “Break a Leg” dancers at the event. She had been downstairs for a costume change in preparation for her solo dance performance to the number.

Not a problem, said Henry, who displayed all the poise, showmanship and confidence of a young Sinatra. He simply sang the Bert Kaempfert/Milt Gabler song, a hit for Nat King Cole in 1964, again.

Henry, who was taking a break from the dance floor to show off his vocal chops, was invited to perform and volunteer for with “All Abilities” dance class. They’re folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities who gather every week at the CFP Hall on Anthony Road to learn ballroom dance training and team-building as part of the Dance Me In program that runs from October to May. 

On Saturday, afternoon, family members and friends came out to see them all perform in a fund-raising showcase. 

For more information about programs at the hall, visit www.commonfencepoint.org.