Inspiring connections through dance

On Saturday mornings, you can find Abigail Dunbar running dance classes at a Boys and Girls Club located in the Jane and Finch community. Inspiring Community Dance Connections (ICDC) is a dance program for children and youth ages 4 to 15. It allows them to experience different dance styles ranging from ballet to jazz, with a touch of gymnastics.  

“This is a dance program that makes prestige dance forms accessible to kids living in low-income areas,” said Abigail. Abigail’s love of dance started over 15 years ago when she attended Definitely Dance Studio. She credits her growth in dance to her dance teacher, Donna, and her mom for nurturing her and giving her opportunities to hone her skills.    

“[My teacher Donna] taught me discipline and freedom of expression through movement,” said Abigail when speaking about the impact and opportunities she was given. Her mother is her biggest motivator. 

“My mom hypes me up to keep going, even when it gets hard. It’s good to have her in my corner backing me up.”

Under the guidance of these women, Abigail realized that dancing was her passion. Yet she also noticed that dance programs are limited, and it can be tough for kids in her community to access them. She created ICDC in 2024 in hopes of breaking barriers that prevent kids from learning dance.  

“I’m doing a dance program, and I noticed a lot of dance styles like ballet and jazz are not as accessible to kids in the Jane and Finch community and it may seem a little out of this world,” said Abigail. “I just want to give the kids a chance to have access to dance and try something new.”

With the goal of making the program affordable for children in the community, Abigail began seeking additional support and funding.  

In 2024, she applied for the Centre Community Funds, a program established by The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (“The Centre”). It offers tenants and tenant groups up to $5,000 to fund projects and initiatives that address anti-Black racism.  

“I liked the vision of the Centre Community Funds and how it gave [tenants] the chance to start a project in the community,” said Abigail. When asked why she applied for the funds, she mentioned that it was an opportunity to bring change to her community.  

“When I found out I was a recipient, I was so excited because it was an opportunity to make my dreams come to life.”

Abigail used the Centre Community Funds to cover costs, so families did not have to pay to participate. This included purchasing the kids’ uniforms, shoes and equipment like ballet bars and mats. Part of the funding also helped fund field trips.  

“I wanted the kids to see artwork in real life, [like] watching a show at the National Ballet of Canada and other showcases,” she said.  

Abigail hopes that one day ICDC can grow into a non-profit organization, reaching as many people as possible in her community and beyond.  

“I really want to be able to encourage connection between community and youth and try to bring the Jane and Finch culture into the world and more of the world into the Jane and Finch community,” said Abigail. 

“Dance should be a space for everyone to express themselves.”  

ICDC is currently running every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. If you want to learn more about the dance program, check out @icdc_dance on Instagram.