Dancers with movement disorders seeking used tap shoes
Dance group Dancing with Disability is looking for used shoes ahead of public performance
A dance group unlike any other in Waterloo region is planning a public performance in June, but they need your help.
They need your old tap shoes.
The group Dancing with Disability is for people who have a movement disorder caused by any number of reasons, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, stroke or a brain injury.
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The group just started in October and director Jill Simpson said those taking part are already experiences some big differences.
"Mainly what people tell me is their sense of balance and co-ordination [improves]. I see people get up and stand who don't generally get out of the wheelchair," she said.
'My brain versus my body'
"When you have a movement disorder, it can be like my brain versus my body and we're in this constant struggle," Simpson said.
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"So we're using the creative, intuitive side of our brain – the part that tells our stories – to create a scenario where our body is just simply responding to that scenario as opposed to my asking a limb to do this."
Simpson notes the group spells its name as disAbility because they want to put an emphasis on the different abilities of people and not focus on what is difficult for them to do.
Public performance June 5
The group is planning a public performance at Kitchener's city hall on June 5 as part of Independent Living Across Canada Day celebrations.
But often having a movement disorder means a limited income, so Simpson is hoping people in the community who have old, unused tap shoes might be willing to donate them to the cause.
They need about 34 pairs – 24 pairs of ladies' shoes from sizes 6.5 to 11.5, and 10 pairs of men's shoes from sizes 7.5 to 12.
Anyone who can donate shoes are asked to email Simpson at dancingwithdisabilitytaps@gmail.com.