My Nonprofit Reviews

5 years ago, when my husband started to work for The Shimmy Club teaching Argentine tango to youth having visual impairments, I accompanied him to the classes. I knew that these children had disabilities, but I wasn't prepared how challenging teaching was going to be for my husband. Mostly the children are legally blind, but they also have multiple physical disabilities, coupled with intellectual challenges. Most of them couldn't tell if their left and right feet were together or not. Some of them even had trouble standing still. In addition, they were either shy or angry and seemed unsure of themselves. I always thought that this project was good because it gave them something to do and I also thought, some of them who are not completely blind might even learn to dance. Over the years my husband would tell me that the children had changed a lot - their posture changed, they laughed more and were more agreeable. I was most surprised when I saw them 2 years ago at one of the Shimmy Club's fundraising event. Just before the show started, I overheard one of the children say that she was absolutely excited and nervous at the same time. Their performance was absolutely touching. It was amazing to see children who are blind dance Argentine Tango (something not easy even for adults with no disabilities to learn!) They looked alive and proud of themselves. Watching them dance brought tears to my eyes. They were no longer stopped by their disabilities. This project is AMAZING and deserves every support. I hope that this kind of support becomes available to all children who need help around the world.

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