My name is Tara Lohr and I teach in a Title 1 middle school in the Bronx, NY. All my students receive free lunch. Our school is the site for an after-school program for our students, as well as students from a nearby elementary school.
I have recently begun working in the after-school program as a tap teacher. The program recruits a large variety of staff to give the students exposure to some arts they wouldn’t normally encounter.
Through tap so far, my students have begun learning about a form of dance they’ve never practiced. Soon we will discuss the roots and influences of tap dancing. Perhaps most importantly, the students are getting more physical exercise: exercise they sorely need, as many are not allowed to play outside on their streets. Tap dancing is a great opportunity for them to build strength and express themselves–very loudly–through movement.
However, the same way teachers aren’t given paper for handouts during school, I was not provided with tap shoes for my students. The students are currently stomping and shuffling with their sneakers, and asking me every day when we will get our tap shoes.
I teach three groups: 1st and 2nd graders; 3rd and 4th graders; 5th and 6th graders. Together, this totals approximately 50 students. With tap shoes at $20 a pair, I’m trying to reach my goal of $1,000 by February 1. Please donate what you can by clicking here. Thank you!
