A dance class designed by junior child life major Faith Sibert ave children with disabilities in the Searcy community the pportunity to dance without fear or limitation. Dance Beyond Boundaries encouraged children to connect with others who shared similar interests and to be themselves. As a college student planning to pursue occupational therapy and with a passion for children with disabilities, Sibert decided to combine her two passions. "I started teaching at Searcy School of Dance as an assistant teacher last year, and I thought, 'What better time to make this dream a reality?"' Sibert said. "I ran the idea by the studio owner here in Searcy. She loved it and said that she would help me out, but this class would be all mine. I decided to call it Dance Beyond Boundaries so that everyone would know that there are no boundaries in dance. The kids become limitless." "There are no boundaries in dance. The kids become limitless." Sibert said Dance Beyond Boundaries was a work in progress, as she searched for college students to serve as special helpers assigned to each child. The job of the helpers was to work during each class session to challenge the children to fully express themselves and feel comfortable. Sibert visited a dance studio for children with disabilities in summer 2019 in Mobile, Alabama, which prepared her to start her own dance class. Junior Briley Saunders, a friend of Sibert, planned to work with children with disabilities as a career. Saunders expressed her enthusiasm for the class and knew it represented more than just dance. "When Faith first approached me about helping with this class over the summer, I was thrilled," Saunders said. "I look forward to building relationships with the kids and getting more experience working with kids who have special needs." Junior Kaitlyn Francois, a friend of Sibert, said Sibert's passion for others was indicative of her character. "Faith is such a hard worker," Francois said. "She is determined to make a change in the world." Dance Beyond Boundaries allowed Harding students to use their talents and education for a career and to better serve people and the Searcy community. "My favorite part is just seeing the look on the kids' faces," Sibert said. "They don't get to do stuff like this every day, and they get really excited about it. Even just the little things like playing freeze dance or [letting] them jump on the trampoline, and they think that's just the coolest thing ever." Sibert planned to continue the project as long as she could. She said there were always needs waiting to be met. "I would love to keep it going for as long as I can," Sibert said. "It has been a dream of mine to open up a studio one day, specifically for special needs children." story by Will Allen people 137
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