Community tapping to a different beat
University student offering dance classes to disadvantaged youth
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/03/2018 (2787 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Winnipeg’s craft beer scene may be buzzing, but Janel Bortoluzzi has opened a different sort of taproom.
The West St. Paul resident is the founder of Tapportunity, a free, drop-in tap-dance program for youth between the ages of six and 12. The classes take place weekly at the West End Cultural Centre.
Bortoluzzi was inspired to start the program after an encounter with one of her students at a local dance studio where she teaches.
The student explained that her family was facing financial challenges, and that she might not be able to continue taking dance lessons as a result.
“This didn’t sit well with me,” Bortoluzzi says. “I wanted dance lessons to be more accessible and inclusive for all youth.”
The 21-year-old’s dream to start Tapportunity began to unfold in 2016 when she posted a Facebook status, asking people to donate their gently used tap shoes.
With support from the Spence Neighbourhood Association and the centre, Bortoluzzi began offering the class last June.
The class takes place every Friday from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Tap shoes are provided and no experience is necessary.
“What I enjoy most is getting to see the kids who come to class every week, and witnessing how excited they are to be in tap class,” says Bortoluzzi, who has seven years of experience teaching dance. “It’s inspiring to see how far they’ve come in such a short time. You almost witness their self-confidence grow, too.”
Bortoluzzi started dancing at the age of four. She credits dance with helping her maintain her mental health and well-being.
“Dance has been a really good stress-reliever, especially throughout high school,” she says. “I faced some hard times and I was bullied, and I found dance was an outlet for me (to) express my emotions in an artistic way.”
Youth can learn a lot from dance, Bortoluzzi says. They can improve their strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and co-ordination.
Dance also helps facilitate communication skills, teaches youth about teamwork and can create a sense of community.
Engaging in a dance class requires students to practise discipline and focus, which can help them succeed in school, Bortoluzzi adds.
She’s found that to be the case for herself. Bortoluzzi is in her fourth year of a psychology program at the University of Winnipeg.
When she isn’t in class or working at one of the handful of part-time jobs she maintains, Bortoluzzi is busy volunteering with the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association in a variety of capacities.
She also volunteers with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the MS Society of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way of Winnipeg.
Bortoluzzi aspires to someday work as a speech pathologist.
In the meantime, she looks forward to the weekly Tapportunity classes, and hopes more young people come check it out.
Anyone interested can visit facebook.com/tapportunity for details.
“It takes a lot to change the world, but I think it only takes one person to make a significant difference in the community,” Bortoluzzi says. “I want to do whatever I can to promote equality and provide equal opportunities for people.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations, but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The Royal Aviation Museum is looking for visitor services volunteers to help greet people and/or work in the Windsock gift shop. Shifts are usually three hours and available seven days a week. To apply, contact Diana Ginter at 204-789-0736 or diana.ginter@royalaviationmuseum.com.
Manitoba Riding for the Disabled — a therapeutic horseback-riding program for children with disabilities — is seeking volunteers to act as horse leaders or side walkers. A mandatory orientation will be take place March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at West Wind Stables in Oak Bluff. Volunteers must be 14 years or older. Horse experience is necessary to be a leader, but not required to be a side walker. For more information, go online to mrda.ca or phone 925-5905.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is looking for volunteers to join the home care advisery council. The council meets four to six times per year between September and May, from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Contact Elizabeth Premecz at 204-940-2579 or epremecz@wrha.mb.ca. The WRHA is also looking for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or their caregivers to join a patient and caregiver advisery council. Contact Colleen Schneider at 204-803-7294 or cschneider1@wrha.mb.ca.
The West Central Community Program needs a board member. The non-profit agency provides after-school programming at Greenway, Wellington and John M. King schools. If you are interested, contact Kerris at kchinerywccp@shaw.ca or 204-772-9315.
St. Matthews Non-Profit Housing Inc. is looking for a new board member. Some experience on a board of directors is beneficial, but not necessary. Individuals who have skills in marketing, fundraising or website management are encouraged to apply. For more information, or to apply, email Keith Anderson at anderson.kjp@gmail.com.
The St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre is recruiting board members for its 2018 to 2020 term. The board meets six times annually. Submit your letter of interest with a resumé to info@stjamescentre.com by March 20.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba is looking for committed evening and weekend volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, 566 Bannatyne Ave. House helpers support families in their home away from home by assisting with laundry and light cleaning, meal programs and various operational needs. Apply online at rmhcmanitoba.org, or contact Kasia at 204-787-4626 or kasia@rmhmanitoba.org to learn more.
The North Centennial Seniors Association is seeking volunteers for its Grandma and Grandpa Swim Program. Volunteers are needed Tuesday mornings from October to June. We are looking for friendly outgoing seniors to play an active role in the pool, enjoying swim and play activities with preschoolers. For more information, go to ncseniors.ca or call 204-582-0066.
Misericordia Health Centre is accepting applications for volunteering in spiritual care. Spiritual Care volunteers help support residents wishing to attend religious services within the centre. Shifts are once per week: Wednesdays, Fridays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.; or Sundays, 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. Apply online at misericordia.mb.ca or call 204-788-8134 for more information.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Winnipeg is seeking volunteers to assist with the centre and its small book and gift shop. Duties include welcoming visitors, working the cash desk, light cleaning, answering customer’s questions about class times, answering the telephone and occasional stocktaking. To apply, email info@meditateinwinnipeg.org.
Age & Opportunity: Support Services for Older Adults is looking for a female who speaks Ojibwe. If you can commit a minimum of one hour a week in the morning or afternoon, you can make a difference. For more information, contact Pamela Roth at proth@aosupportservices.ca or call 204-956-6440.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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