An 11-year-old girl from Mobile, Alabama, died unexpectedly just a few days ago.
She was remembered as a leader, a dancer, a learner, and a friend.
“She was a vibrant young lady. Very, very vibrant,” Rachael Reese, dance instructor and owner of Elevation Dance Company told FOX10. “A joy to be around. She was determined. She just always wanted to be better and do better.”
Taylor’s instructor said the news hit her hard.
“It was numbing. It was shocking. It came out of nowhere. Also, it didn’t only break my heart but it hit very close to home,” Reese told FOX10.
Janiyah had spent eight months learning ballet, jazz, and hip-hop dance at Elevation Dance company.
“This sweet girl had an impact on her whole community. She left a mark here a very good mark,” she said.
Reese said the hardest part was telling Janiyah’s dance mates that she would not be coming anymore.
“They cried a lot. They’re still crying according to their parents. They’re still trying to understand why, why did she have to go like that and they couldn’t tell her bad. They’re still trying to understand. They’re still young,” explained Reese.
It’s unclear yet what exactly caused her death.
Janiyah was a student at Whitney Elementary, according to a GoFundMe comment. “I’m sorry for this families loss we all here at Whitney Elementary is going to miss her and her smiling face she was one of the students that we love to have in our presents we will always remember you Niya. Love the Whitley Elementary CNP Staff.”
“She’s dancing in heaven more than she ever could on earth,” Reese told FOX10.
Elevation Dance Company will sell rubber bracelets on Saturday to raise money for Janiyah’s family. The bracelets have Janiyah’s name on them and they are selling for $2. You can buy one or donate at Elevation Dance Company at 2180 Schillinger Road North this Saturday, March 10 from 9 am to 12 noon. All proceeds will go to Janiyah’s family for funeral and burial expenses.
