As a kid I always wanted my life to be like Footloose— the 1984 movie about a town that bans dancing. Apparently I got my wish because Toronto has banned a crossing guard from dancing while on the job.  Unfortunately Toronto doesn't have a Kevin Bacon, who will fight for our right to dance. Kathleen Byers is a beloved crossing guard in Toronto, who helps students and parents cross the street everyday. While she helps them safely cross the road, she plays music from her portable speakers and dances to the beat. Apparently the Toronto Police Service's traffic department deems her dancing a distraction to drivers. They told her she can no longer dance, have her music on or even move slightly to get some light exercise while she's working. Are you kidding me! Kathleen seems like the most joyful and alert crossing guard I've ever seen. Most crossing guards barely mumble "hello" as they wave their hand telling you to cross the road. But Kathleen is engaged with every person she helps to cross the street. And if she can encourage kids to dance a little on their way to school, then I think that's magical. I applaud anyone who can get kids moving their bodies and doing some light exercise—haven't these officers heard of dance walking. Kathleen's dancing teaches kids that they shouldn't be ashamed to express themselves through dance. I fully admit that I spend most nights dancing to my iPod alone in my bedroom. I blast some Abba and dance out the stress from the day. As someone with an anxiety disorder, I find dancing helps me through my most anxious moments. Kathleen should be able to share the many benefits of dance with the children she meets at her job—maybe it will inspire these kids to dance through their own hard times like I do. Or maybe it will just make them smile when they are having a rough day. I find it heartbreaking that a crossing guard of 10 years has been told she is risking the lives of kids, when in reality she is enriching their lives with dance and music. Keep on dancing Kathleen. Do you think the police were right to tell Kathleen to stop dancing? ©istockphoto/forgiss