Isabel Lavery, a rising senior at Croton Harmon High School, was able to collect 130 dance costumes that were donated by Westchester families to benefit Youth Theatre Interactions (YTI) in Yonkers and Revelators Dance Troupe in Mt. Vernon. The dance costumes donated were of high quality and in great condition with a retail value of over $10,000.
“I’ve been a dancer since I was four and I have my costume from my first performance. I kept them and they are piliing up in my closet. I thought what a better way to put them to good use and give it to someone and give it a second life and hopefully they will love it like I did,” said Lavery, who presented the costumes on June 25 at the new home of YTI, at 68 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers.
“I contacted dance schools and stores that I know in Westchester, and asked if they would put a bin out for customers to see and donate costumes. We ended up working with Ms. Dancewear in Mohegan Lake and Repertoire Dance Shop in Scarsdale – my two favorite shops!” said Lavery.
ArtsWestchester, a non-profit supporting the arts in Westchester, has been incredibly supportive of Isabel’s costume drive. “ArtsWestchester was a tremendous help with the drive. Sue Abbott helped me find recipients for the donated costumes. She reached out to dance schools. Youth Theater Interactions in Yonkers, and Revelators Dance Troupe were the recipients we worked with – both great local institutions. Without ArtsWestchester, Star2Star could not have happened! They connected me with the studios and helped me polish the concept to a working model, which caused an increase in donations and support,” said Lavery.
All of the 130 costumes came from generous donations. “I even had a neighbor, who dropped off 16 costumes at my house towards the end of the drive!
Youth Theatre Interactions, Inc. (YTI) is a non-profit that provides professional instruction in the performing arts to Westchester County youth. With the support and participation of their parents, YTI nurtures creativity and pride in accomplishment while fostering discipline, confidence, and critical thinking in young people.
Revelators Dance Troupe, located in Mt. Vernon, is a 501(c)3 multi-disciplinary arts education organization providing a safe artistic outlet for young people. They offer quality programming aimed to inspire, strengthen and develop young people and educate through dance.
Both organizations were grateful for Isabel’s hard work and generosity. “It’s important to recognize and celebrate positive efforts by our youth. Isabel’s efforts will impact so many other children. She shared fond memories of her dancing and we will share those stories with the hope that they inspire another child to “pay it forward”, said Genia Flammia, YTI Board President.
We hope that this story inspires our readers to help others and give back to the Westchester community. “This costume drive has reminded me how much I love helping others. In my early years of dance, I was fortunate enough to have others there supporting me, and as I wrap up high school, it feels like it’s my turn to do the same for others. Helping young students on the path to becoming well rounded artists thrills me! Even here in NY, the dance community is small, so we have to support one another along the way!
I have been dancing since I can remember. I’ve always done ballet, but ever since joining the Pre Professional Program at Steps on Broadway, I’ve added classes in Horton, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Afro Dance, and many other styles. It is something I want to build on in college, too!
Any advice to young dancers? “Don’t stop doing what makes you happy, and don’t be afraid to branch out – the dance world is bigger than your one school, and there are many ways to keep dance in your life. I have always danced because it makes me feel strong and brings me so much joy, and I can’t imagine it any other way. It’s my favorite way to express myself, and that’s something you can always work on.
“And do not be hard on yourself – part of dance is critiquing your own work. You become your worst critic, and sometimes that makes it hard to stay positive. You are amazing as you are, and dance is just another way to communicate.”
