By Patricia Demchak
During her stint as a fashion show make-up artist a decade ago, Jeannie Irizarry of Kew Gardens witnessed many hopeful young models be rejected because of their weight, height or other features.
She said she decided then that she’d like things to change in the world of fashion, pageantry and dance.
“I wanted to create something different where everybody could get in — all heights, all weights, all cultures,” said Irizarry, 35, who was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in East Harlem and Queens. “My dream is to create a different kind of program where it comes from within yourself, where it is inner beauty and building character, building a positive attitude and confidence.”
Irizarry’s dream will soon become reality. On April 19, young women from more than 10 ethnic backgrounds will dance and strut the stage in the latest fashions at JHS 216 in Fresh Meadows. The girls come in all colors, shapes, sizes and ages. The youngest is only 7.
They are known as the Dream Team Dancers.
This troupe of 16 girls between the ages of 9 and 15 is performing as part of a talent showcase of kids in JHS 216 Beacon programs.
The Beacon program, an initiative in its fourth year at JHS 216, offers free classes six days a week as well as recreation for local children and parents. The classes range from pre-algebra preparation to pee-wee tae kwon do and adult yoga. Nearly 2,300 people have registered for classes this year.
Irizarry leads a Saturday class at Beacon called DKOC —“Different Kinds of Culture” — Dancers. Members of this older troupe perform a variety of styles, from classic jazz to hip-hop to traditional dances.
In all of her classes, she encourages students to celebrate diverse backgrounds and respect one another’s differences.
“You get people who have different beliefs, and you have to be aware of that,” she said.
For the fashion show/beauty pageant in April, Irizarry has coached the girls to glide to the microphone, smile for the cameras and tell the audience proudly where they were born and where their parents come from.
The cast of nations sounds like a Miss Universe pageant: Sofia Chaudry, 10, born in New York to a Japanese mother and Pakistani father; Melba and Denise Arevalo, 11 and 9, born in New York to Nicaraguan parents; Emily Elisha, 11, whose parents are from Israel; Jasmine Ortega, 12, whose father is from New York and mother is from Puerto Rico. The list of nationalities grows as each beaming girl strides into the spotlight and introduces herself.
Irizarry said a couple of students have had to leave the troupe because the dancing or clothing were at odds with their parents’ cultural practices.
Most of the girls came to Irizarry without any dance experience, but they generally agreed that their teacher is tough but patient.
“We’re so thrilled when we get a step right,” said Denise Arevalo, one of the younger members. “She helps us even when we get it wrong. Even though sometimes she’s kind of strict, she helps us care for each other and she always says ‘teamwork makes dreamwork.’”
Irizarry’s emphasis on teamwork extends beyond coordinating dance steps. Knowing the havoc personal problems can wreak on performance, Irizarry encourages the girls to talk through their differences, leave outside concerns at the door and to turn to her and each other if personal matters become overwhelming.
“It has become something more than a dance group,” Irizarry said. “I call it the circle of friends.”
Irizarry said that as a community service she donates her time and cosmetics to give free “pampering sessions” at battered women’s shelters.
“We pamper them so that they’ll feel good about themselves,” Irizarry explained.
The dance instructor emphasizes the empowerment of self-esteem not just in her charity work, but in each of her classes. Although many adolescent students arrive at Beacon shy and self conscious, Irizarry helps them conquer stage fright and even enjoy their moment in the spotlight.
“I think the fashion show is the hardest because you’re already shy,” said Usma Khan, a petite 10-year-old. “And then you’re like, ‘where do I go? When do I go?’”
Nevertheless, when her turn came, Khan donned a nervous grin and sidled down the stage, pausing with a hand on her tiny hip for imaginary cameras to capture her on celluloid.
“Jeannie has taught us that it doesn’t matter what you look like,” Melba Arevalo said. “It’s how you present yourself.”
Reach reporter Patricia Demchak by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 155.
