ORLANDO, Fla. — At the Amway Center during Orlando Magic games, the 321 Hype dance squad energizes the crowds.

One member of the group, Tyler Kantrowitz, shows that he can never be stopped.

To be part of the Magic 321 Hype squad, you need a lot of energy and great dance moves to back it up. Luckily for Tyler, he isn’t lacking in either department.

“He’ll just come out of nowhere and just hits you with a little bit of inspiration, and gets you started. He’s like a little firecracker,” said Magic 321 Hype dancer Tre’iLLi. “Spark that gets poppin up in here!”

This energy has always been part of Tyler’s personality. He was even named Homecoming King his senior year at Oviedo High School. He loves the spotlight.

“He has no fear. He can go in the middle of an NBA basketball arena and break dance,” his dad, Alan Kantrowitz, said while laughing.

Tyler has played basketball and baseball, and more recently, loves to dance. No matter what the dream, Tyler’s parents took the word "can’t" out of their vocabulary. 

“He just has built his whole attitude around dance and ‘I can do it’,” said Tyler’s mom, Melissa Kantrowitz.

“Our belief has always been ever since he was born — we felt it was important for him to be included, so we always try to put him in a very inclusive environment,” Alan said.

Melissa and Alan found Chance 2 Dance, a local dance company in Maitland that brings dancers of all abilities together.

The group performed at halftime of a Magic game the Kantrowitz family was attending.

Tyler, who has always loved hip-hop and making up his dances, has since joined the group.

His younger sister works as a dance teacher as well. Another instructor, Jackie, is also a dancer with the 407 Magic dance team.

Jackie encouraged Tyler to try out for the hype squad.

Over 60 people auditioned for the 321 Hype squad, and Tyler was 1 of about 20 to get accepted. 

“Everybody’s allowed to be part of it, and it’s really dope just to see the organization is open,” said Tre’iLLi. “A lot of times you don’t see people who can do what Tyler does. So he’s setting a new standard, and it’s gonna wanna give other kids the chance to do it as well.”

Tyler and Tre’iLLi are paired up for many home games and have developed a strong friendship. They arrive hours before tip-off to learn their assignments for the night, whether they are working on the T-shirt toss or in-game activities on the court, or even roaming the stands to bring the energy. 

The 321 locker room is filled with positive energy and constant dancing, with each dancer showing off their style. They continue that throughout the arena and in the concourses during the pregame parade, starting cheers and bringing fans in to join dance circles. 

“They’ve become brothers and sisters. These are my family to me,” Tyler said. “I love these guys. They’ve covered my back.”

Through the friendships and the fun, Tyler has become an inspiration for others. 

“We hope this opens a lot of doors for other people with disabilities or abilities, and them say, 'If he can do it, I can do it.' And I think that’s what our goal is,” Melissa said. “Just because he has Down syndrome doesn’t stop him. Whatever you think is gonna stop you, keep going.”

“It isn’t easy to do, but I did it by myself,” Tyler said. “Then do it! Make it happen!”

The Orlando Magic play their last home game of the 2022-23 season on April 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.