Hundreds of people put on their dancing shoes and hit the streets of Toronto on Sunday to hold a “dancing protest” in support of a beloved crossing guard who quit her job after being suspended for dancing on duty.

Kathleen Byers had worked as a crossing guard in the area of Dufferin Street and Gordon Street for 10 years, greeting kids, motorists and passersby with her enthusiastic dance moves.

In November, Toronto police asked Byers to stop dancing, stating that her behavior was distracting.

Last week, Byers was issued a second suspension after she appeared in a music video wearing her police-issued safety gear – an act which is against the rules.

Byers decided to hand in her stop sign and quit her job, saying that the situation had become too stressful.

News of her resignation sparked anger within the local community, with many residents noting that Byers had become a vibrant part of the community and had done nothing wrong.

Hundreds of supporters, decked out in bright t-shirts and colourful safety outfits, gathered near Dufferin Street on Sunday to show their support for the much-loved crossing guard.

With songs like ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” blaring in the background, supporters broke out into conga lines while crossing the street.

Byers was on hand for the event and greeted the many young children, parents and local community members. She thanked them for their support.

“When I come to work every single time, I’m so filled with joy I just can’t keep my feet still,” she said.

“We really need to think about children and teach children that they shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves, live their truth, be creative and not live in fear that you can’t shine or show yourself,” Byers said.

Vanessa Dunn, organizer of the event, said the local community felt compelled to take action after hearing about Byers’ suspension.

“I think everybody here clearly felt enraged and embarrassed for the city when this happened to Kathleen,” she told the crowd.

“Kathleen is a community hero and today we’re doing a community action that is both making a point and is fun – which is clearly against the law in some way,” she said.

Coun. Ana Bailao, city councillor for the area, said Byers’ suspension was an “injustice” and noted that she has written to Police Chief Bill Blair regarding the situation.

“We have a community member, she’s not only a crossing guard, she knows the names of most children that cross the street, she knows the parents, she knows this community,” she said.

“What we want is to have Kathleen back and have Kathleen bringing some joy…as she safely crosses people through Dufferin Street, a very busy, busy street in our ward,” Bailao told CTV Toronto.

Byers said she'll continue to be an integral part of the community even though she's no longer working as a crossing guard.

Toronto Police have not commented on Byers’ suspension.