ICJA Takes the Runway

Academy girls celebrated beauty and modesty–inside and out–this week in the first-ever ICJA Takes the Runway event. The phenomenal program was the culmination of months of effort, with more than 90 ICJA students serving on committees under the direction of staff members Shuli Tsadok and Adina Blaustein. It was entirely student initiated, committees were student run. Proceeds from the standing-room-only event went to Sharsheret, an organization that assists women with breast cancer and their families.

Following the event, Mrs. Tsadok said, “I don’t think a single person went home without a huge smile on their face. Every girl contributed in their own way, and it came together as such a spectacular night. The energy in the room was amazing, and nothing made me prouder than the way everyone cheered on every single girl. What a way to represent our school.”

Opening the program was ICJA parent and lay leader Iris Bass, who said that this event was an opportunity to “come full circle” for her, as she years ago created Girls Speak Up–a program to empower girls. She wasn’t able to continue implementing the program once she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Speaking to an audience celebrating the talents and power of women and girls, Mrs. Bass shared her personal story of surviving breast cancer and now serving through Sharsheret as a link to other women with the disease.

Students in the Runway Choir then presented a beautiful rendition of “Brave,” setting the tone for a program where girls were encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone to participate in their first fashion show. Several girls then performed in a dance routine.

The fashion show was hosted by Carly Muller and Dena Weiss. Students modeled casual wear, Shabbat clothing and formal wear down the runway. Assisting the girls in their look were student hair stylists and make up artists. Committees were guided by professionals in hair, makeup and the fashion field, who advised ICJA students over the past few months to prepare them for the actual event. Models also wore clothing and jewelry from local vendors.

Many thanks to producers Mrs. Tsadok and Mrs. Blaustein for working tirelessly on an event that gave our girls the opportunity to shine. View more photos below, many of which are by junior Rena Auerbach, or follow #icjarunway on our Instagram page.

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