Our Story:
Costume Callback Inc. was developed by 13-year old dance student Palmira Mallino in late 2017. After each recital, she noticed that her beautiful costumes would sit in her closet, going unused after just two performances. She wanted to share their beauty and creativity – and the joy of dance – with others that seldom have such opportunities.
She formed Costume Callback Inc. with the heart of giving back to those less fortunate. She asked her fellow dancers to donate their costumes, and soon had more than one studio participating in the effort.
Upon the significant collection of costumes across dance genres, Costume Callback Inc. began donating costumes with organizations dedicated to working with children and teens in underserved communities. The costumes help to build self-esteem, spark imaginations, lift spirits, and support physical and social/emotional growth. It is both humbling and rewarding to see the pride and joy a teen feels when given a beautiful costume to accompany a dance she/he just learned in an afterschool-community-based program. In younger children, the costumes promote pretend play.
All of the children and teens get to keep their costumes, per the Costume Callback Inc. agreement with the organizations. What is asked is that each child/teen just pass the costume along to someone else once they outgrow it, paying it forward with the same rewarding sense of giving to others.
Now in its third full year, Costume Callback Inc. is reaching out internationally. As an example, it has teamed with Educational Alliance, the Association to Benefit Children, First Families Now, and Latinos Unidos that extends out to Central America. Further, Costume Callback Inc. choreographed and created a simple dance video for a dozen teens to learn – accompanied by costumes – to perform during their village holiday party in Guatemala. The children and teens in this community seldom have time to play let alone perform, as they must go to work early to help support their families.
“I want all kids to feel special and beautiful, and to feel the freedom, excitement, confidence and accomplishment found in dance. Sadly, many kids – here and around the world – don’t often get the chance to play and dream. I started collecting and donating costumes for a love of dance and love for people. Along with my friends and fellow dancers who have given their costumes a second chance, we hope to make a small difference in a big world. “
Palmira Mallino, founder Costume Callback Inc.
Our Mission:
To share the joy of dance with children and teens in underserved communities.
Costume Callback Inc. gives costumes another stage to play upon with purposeful giving to schools and organizations dedicated to the social, physical and emotional development of young people. It gives special focus to those who might not otherwise have a chance to experience the whimsical attire that can automatically turn a dance around, inspire confidence and expand the imagination.
Testimonials:
“The costumes from…Costume Callback were a great asset to Youth Programs’ ballet classes. The girls who participated in the classes were thrilled and so grateful. The pride they took in their performances and the joy they felt was obvious to us all. At the end of the school year, they were delighted to be able to take their costumes home.”
Association to Benefit Children, East Harlem
“Your kindness and organization made our show so exciting… I can’t wait to continue to work together!”
Ariel, Educational Alliance
“It’s been a pleasure working with Costume Callback, and we are looking forward to working on many projects in the near future. We are so proud of the work that you are doing.”
Latinos Unidos Foundatión Inc.