During the event, kids will get to dance along with Angelina Ballerina and the American Dance Institute’s Youth Ensemble during an interactive Angelina Ballerina story dance. They will also have an opportunity to try on real tutus and dance at the barre with one of the institute’s professional dance instructors. In addition to a short performance by the American Dance Institute’s Youth Ensemble and arts and crafts activities, children will have a chance to touch and feel real ballet costumes, headpieces, props and shoes at the ballet “petting zoo.” At the end of the activity-filled day, the children can enter a prize drawing to win the Angelina Ballerina storybook, which was used throughout the day.

“Our mission is to give the community an arts destination that provides families and young dancers with exciting and educational opportunities,” said American Dance Institutes Artistic Director Pamela Bjerknes. “We are thrilled to bring Angelina Ballerina, an influential and positive role model, to life, allowing children the opportunity to interact and dance with her.”

In order to participate, children must be accompanied by an adult. American Dance Institute is located at 1570 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, MD. For more information, please call 301.984.3003 or visit www.americandance.org.
The American Dance Institute, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is one of the Washington, DC area's premier performing arts organizations. Aiming to build artistic, athletic and confident individuals, the Institute serves as a national center of excellence for dance instruction for children, pre-professionals, professionals and adults. An extensive Pilates curriculum is also offered, as well as a Pilates teacher training program.

American Dance Institute is also home to an array of diverse professional dance companies and emerging individual artists in the Washington metropolitan region through its Arts Incubator program. The Incubator provides free arts management assistance, artistic mentorship and studio space.. The program has helped launch and support many of the region's award-winning dance troupes and artists, including EDGEWORKS Dance Theater, ClancyWorks Dance Company, ARKA Ballet, DanceSmith, Next Reflex Dance Collective, Train Wreck Dance Company, and Ed Tyler.