By: Gena Oppenheim
We strive to giveback and help others, but often times, life can get in the way. We’re all busy – whether it’s a hectic 9 to 5 workday schedule, taking the kids to soccer practice, making that 8am spin class or planning what’s for dinner. But, if you really want to talk about busy…?
Karina Smirnoff teaches AIM children a dance routine. Photo credit: AIM
Professional dancer Karina Smirnoff is spending the majority of her time practicing to perform on live television while she competes to win the mirrorball trophy on the latest season of Dancing with the Stars with partner Gavin DeGraw. Karina has hours of rehearsals every day and pressure to perform at her best, but she still manages to make time for giving back.
Karina cleverly opted to get involved with AIM, an organization that allows her to teach underprivileged kids how to express themselves through the arts. What a perfect fit! In helping children learn fun dance routines to express themselves, the Ukraine native can stay quick on her feet and not miss out on rehearsing, while giving back at the same time.
The 30-year-old sat down exclusively with Tonic on Monday, just moments after dancing her heart out on the ABC show, to talk about her involvement with AIM and the most touching experience she’s had with the organization.
Karina Smirnoff hangs out with AIM children. Photo credit: AIM
Tonic: Tell me about the project your are involved with, AIM? What does it stand for?
Karina Smirnoff: AIM stands for Alternative Intervention Models. Its an organization that was set up by Leila Steinberg, who was actually the first manager of Tupac Shakur, and it has divisions for the charity and the foundation like art, singing, sports and dancing so that kids who cant afford it, or come from low socio-economic families, or schools at risk can become apart of AIM and express themselves in the way that they want to be expressed – whether its coming up with a song or learning how to cha-cha.
Tonic: Why did you want to get involved with AIM specifically?
KS: Its something that I absolutely love and it’s close to my heart. I feel like with having an opportunity to be on Dancing with the Stars and being able to have a career in something that I love, it’s the least that I can do – try to give back and give kids that same experience.
Tonic: What has been your most touching moment with AIM?
KS: I had performance with young kids, they were very young like 6 or 7, and they were getting really nervous to perform. I said, ‘Listen, if you nail this performance and you stay focused for the whole minute and a half out there on the floor, ill take you to Disneyland!’
Tonic: Why did that one performance with the children effect you so much?
KS: I had never had more excitement in front of me. It was like I said that Santa Clause was going to come back from North Pole and give everyone of you presents personally. It was amazing. It was the cutest thing ever.
Tonic: How can other people get involved?
KS: You can just reach out through me at KarinaSmirnoff.com or go to AIM’s website!
I say we all take a note from Karina and try to give back in a way that relates to our busy lives. Instead of clearing your schedule for spin class before work, get involved with an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters and take your little pal for a bike ride on the beach. Or stop worrying about what to make for yourself for dinner and rather pass out meals to the homeless at your local shelter.
Karina makes a valid point. No matter how hectic our schedules get, there is always a way to make room for doing good!
And, don’t forget to root for Karina and Gavin on Dancing with the Stars! Head to ABC.com today to see how you can give the team your vote!
I am Sri Lankan ,is there any way that I can help the children of the AIM .I am an excellent teacher so I believe I can help them to learn .