Dancing Across Barriers
How a practicum project became an LB program
A distinct tapping noise echoes from the Braeside Community Centre late Thursday evening.
No, it’s not an invasion of woodpeckers, rather a Dancing Across Barriers session.
The tap dancing program is the brainchild of Sarah Allum, a senior facilitator with LB who created the program as practicum student in 2023.
“Dance was my sport growing up and I love being able to share that with the members at LB,” said Allum.
With over 20 years of classical training and 15 years of teaching experience in all types of dance, she is excited to see others join in her joy.
“As a kid, I loved going into a studio and just making noise.”
Participants don’t have to get fitted for tap shoes as the program uses slip on taps, which go over footwear.
In her research, Allum discovered that there weren’t many opportunities in adaptive tap dancing.
As a result tap gloves are available, which allow for those who only have use of their hands to still participate in the tapping time.
But the program isn’t limited to just tap dancing. Allum plans to teach different styles to her class.
“We’ll be doing a lot of tap dancing, ballet, jazz, and some cultural dances like line dancing or hip-hop.”
She hopes that more people attend to experience the joy of dance.
“I hope everyone has as much fun with the dance program as I have and it continues.”
