Dance students support hurricane victims

Dance students at Jaclyn Carol's Dance Academy in Wheatfield are giving a helping hand to dancers they've never met, just because they share the same passion.

The building containing Aimee's Dance Academy in Louisiana was spared by the recent hurricane Isaac, but some 200 students lost their homes and belongings, including dance shoes, dance leotards and tights. Friends and supporters of director Aimee Mulkey posted to various online dance forums for help, and when Jaclyn Dimino, co-director of Jaclyn Carol's Dance Academy, saw it, she responded right away.

"We are constantly looking for ways for our girls to give back and allow them to realize how blessed they are, but this is more than that. This was just the right thing to do," she said.

Jaclyn Carol's Dance Academy held a dance shoe and dance attire drive Sept. 7 with their students. They are inviting the community to participate as well. Anyone can bring in dance shoes, leotards, tights, skirts, shorts or other fitness attire, and leave it at the studio, 2884 Niagara Falls Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. The studio plans to ship the items on Monday,

"These kids have lost so much, and their parents are working to rebuild their homes. Dance is a luxury, and it must come last in these situations. However, for their kids who have already lost everything they know, they need to at least have that safe haven. Our kids treat JCDA as their second home, and they understand what it would be like if they couldn't dance anymore," said Dimino.

"This is so important," said co-director Shari Palmer. "We need to give these kids what they need to succeed and achieve their dreams. We would want someone to do the same for us if it ever came down to it!"

For more information, contact Dimino at 716-213-7866.