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Kimberly Locke, an “American Idol” finalist in 2003, performed at Mini Dance Marathon

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Kimberly Locke, 2003 "American Idol" finalist, and Dance Marathon Director Aviva Altmann, pose wi

Dance Marathon organizers held “Mini Dance Marathon” complete with celebrity appearances and speaker presentations Tuesday night to give dancers a taste of the upcoming event.

“The purpose (of Mini Dance Marathon) is to give the dancers a sense of what the event is like. Overall, the committee hopes that everyone enjoys themselves,” said Eva Leidman, public relations coordinator for Dance Marathon, during which students are sponsored to dance for 26 hours with proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Michelle Trachtenberg of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame introduced Ian, 15, and Rumor, 8, siblings who have both been diagnosed with pediatric AIDS.

The children shared their stories and experiences with the HIV/AIDS organization Camp Heartland.

Camp Heartland, located in Minnesota, is an organization that provides a community for children and teens suffering from pediatric AIDS.

For seven weeks every summer, children and teens attend camp, but the organization reaches out to victims year-round by facilitating communication, said Joel Goldman, a member of Camp Heartland’s board of directors.

Rumor and Ian both explained that during the time they spend at Camp Heartland each summer, they are able to act as normal kids, free from stereotypes.

Kimberly Locke, an “American Idol” finalist in 2003, also became involved with the camp.

“(My involvement in) Camp Heartland has been a life-changing experience. It brought a whole new meaning and purpose to my life,” she said.

Locke became involved with Camp Heartland last year through a nationwide penny drive. She attended the camp for three days, performing and interacting with the children.

“Camp Heartland touched me directly. I have been inspired by these kids who haven’t lived half of the life I have lived, but have so many more experiences. It is important to remember that it is not always about the money, but the time we contribute,” Locke said.

Locke performed her hit song “8th World Wonder” and debuted a song from her upcoming dance album during Mini Dance Marathon.

The organization also holds a one-week camp in Malibu for children from the West Coast, and Goldman said that this camp is another way for UCLA students to get involved with the pediatric AIDS cause.

This year, Camp Heartland organizers said they are working to help UCLA dancers better understand the purpose of Dance Marathon.

“We want to help put a face on the children (dancers) are helping. Ten campers are coming to dance with the students so that the dancers will get to know the kids one-on-one,” Goldman said. “Also, many celebrities are involved in Camp Heartland and will be stopping by Dance Marathon to thank the dancers.”

This is Camp Heartland’s first year supporting UCLA’s Dance Marathon.

The Dance Marathon organizing committee held a handful of activities to preview the upcoming event during the mini marathon. Fundraising, informational and food booths were open throughout the evening.

The a capella group Random Voices and the Vietnamese Student Union also performed, and Dance Marathon committee members led attendees in last year’s morale dance.

“This night was about providing the dancers with a personal connection,” said Dance Marathon Director Aviva Altmann.