Nicola Kozmyk Jones shares the joy of dance with her young students, and helps bring joy to kids in need too.
She runs a successful dance studio where she helps shape future dancers, and though it’s her passion, it’s also a chance to help others.
“We want to build well rounded children, not with just their dance technique but we want them to go into society and be valuable members and to contribute to the community, recognizing that dance is a vehicle to do some great things,” she said.
That’s why she encourages the girls to donate the prize money they earn at dance competitions to charity. Last year, $4,500 was raised and donated to Community Kitchen, a feat that impressed Marilyn Gunn, CEO of the organization.
“They're teaching them how to be philanthropic in the future,” said Gunn. “And you know what, this is what we need. Because these children went and they did shopping and they bought food for our summer program Tummy Tamers. And you know we're gonna be feeding over 600 children every day during the summer.”
It’s a great growth experience for the students, something that isn’t lost on their parents.
“I think she's a tremendous role model to the girls and she's teaching them not only to truly love dance and all the wonderful opportunities it brings into their lives but also how to give back,” said Bonnie Elgie, whose daughter attends the school.
For teaching young students to be great dancers and philanthropists, Nicola Kozmyk Jones is our Inspired Albertan this week.
