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Community Corner

Idol Contestant Presents Diva's Night Out for Charity

Parsippany's Tiffany Rios of American Idol debuts the divalicious Project Performance.

If you’re an avid American Idol fan, you’re probably familiar with Tiffany Rios, the Parsippany diva who made it to Hollywood in the talent show's 10th season. Although the confident, bold singer didn't win the big prize on the hit reality TV series, she's forging a path for success in the entertainment industry, and she's doing it in Jersey.

Rios' business vision took full form Wednesday night in Belleville at Bella Casa Caterers, where she hosted her first Platinum Performance dance show.

The 22-year-old Morris Plains resident came up with the idea of Platinum Performance after spending two years as an active member of Dina Manzo’s . The charity hosts a variety of fundraising events throughout the year to benefit patients at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital  suffering from cancer, blood disorders and other serious and chronic diseases. 

Rios describes Platinum Performance as “a night of getting hair extensions, having jewelry, drinking and seeing a show at the same time, while also donating to charity.”

“I asked myself, ‘What could I do to incorporate my love for dance, shopping and all that stuff on top of benefiting Project Ladybug?’” she said. “And then I just mixed it all together and it came to be Platinum Performance.”

The one-hour jam-packed event showcased dancers from the Stagelite Centre of Performing Arts in Pequannock and Nutley's Dancers in Motion.  Rios is affiliated with both groups.

“I work for Stagelite and I used to dance at Dancers in Motion,” she explained. “Instead of the girls always thinking about competition and competing, this is a night where they could just all have a blast and do what they love to do.”

The predominantly girls’ night featured a variety of youth dancers representing many different genres, including ballet, jazz, hip hop and acrobatics. Nearly 100 guests were further entertained by sponsors who provided hair extensions, hand massages and beauty products. Those offering their services included Terry’s Mane Street Salon, SPArties and Nicole’s Touch of Elegance. Live DJ entertainment was provided by DJMC of Belleville.

Rios said she plans to host many more Platinum Performance events in the future, with hopes of a bigger venue and the support of an even larger number of sponsors.

For more information on Project Ladybug and other events or to donate to help sick children, visit www.projectladybug.org or www.StJosephsHealth.org to make a donation.

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