‘You can see the joy in their faces:’ plenty of smiling faces at inclusive Nanaimo dance studio

Stewart has offered adoptive dance classes for about 16 years, starting with a contracted service with the City of Nanaimo.

“After the first day of working with them I was hooked, it’s just such joy working with them.”

As many as 20 program participants have taken part in a given weekly class over the years, she said, with participation down since pandemic health restrictions have been lifted.

On Friday, Oct 6 five participants went through a half-hour routine with an upbeat Stewart providing instruction, while also leaving room for participants to be creative.

Aside for acquiring dance skills, she’s noticed Adaptive Hip Hop participants gained confidence over the years.

“I feel honoured and privileged, it’s amazing that they trust me — they come in and whatever I say they’ll go for it.”

Stewart said the current class, geared toward adults, is scheduled to run until December, while she’d like to offer similar programming to youths as well.

Beaming with a huge smile following Friday’s session, Brianna Taylor said she loves Serra’s classes.

Darren, her father, said the adaptive dance class is a highlight of her daughter’s week.

“She’s always excited to come to dance, she’s happy to be here,” he said.

Serra Stewart said her personal mental health improves while instructing Adaptive Hip Hop classes at Vibrant Studios on Boxwood Rd. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

‘You can see the joy in their faces:’ plenty of smiling faces at inclusive Nanaimo dance studio

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