Angelina Ballerina With English National Ballet

English National Ballet and HIT Entertainment, one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights-owners, has today announced a new partnership to create a family ballet starring the popular children's character Angelina Ballerinaâ„¢. Angelina's Star Performance brings the magic of Angelina Ballerina to life in her first live performance on stage.

The production features a cast of eight dancers from English National Ballet with over 100 performances over three weeks in 20 venues across the UK.

Angelina's Star Performance follows Angelina as she prepares to stage her own performance of The Sleeping Beauty, at the request of the King and Queen in their splendid palace. She even has a real life Princess, Princess Valentine, to star alongside her in the show. It's Angelina's biggest challenge yet"¦ will she manage to pull it off?

Angelina's Star Performance will be a special introduction to ballet for children from the age of 3+ and the tour will be complemented by an education programmed designed to give children the opportunity to experience ballet. The performances will also feature fun activities and workshops in the venues including the opportunity to take part in Angelina Ballerina Dance Academyâ„¢ classes.

The stellar creative team behind the production includes ex Principal dancer and Head of Dance at English National Ballet School Anthony Dowson who will choreograph the two act children's ballet Angelina's Star Performance. The writers behind Angelina Ballerina's Star Performance are acclaimed children's writers Paul Larson (Thomas & Friendsâ„¢, Angelina & the Royal Danceâ„¢, Bob the Builderâ„¢) and Laura Beaumont (Angelina Ballerina & the Royal Dance, Bob the Builder). Costumes will be based on the Angelina Ballerina character and designed by Wizzy Shawyer. The set will be created by Al Riches and based on the beautiful Angelina Ballerina Carousel Books.

Katie Rollings VP Consumer Products & International Marketing commented, "We are thrilled to be working with English National Ballet in bringing Angelina to life through her very own stage show. Angelina's Star Performance has a cast and crew that is world class and we hope that through Angelina Ballerina, dance will be more accessible to children around the country."

Craig Hassall Managing Director of English National Ballet added, "English National Ballet's mission has always been to bring ballet to the widest possible audience; our collaboration with HIT Entertainment is a great way to do this by encouraging children to get involved and to enjoy ballet with Angelina Ballerina, who is such a good role model for today's children. A project of this scale also gives us the opportunity to perform in venues that we wouldn't be able to visit with the full Company, allowing more people to enjoy the performances."

HIT Entertainment, owners of the Angelina Ballerina brand around the world, are seeking sponsorship partners for Angelina's Star Performance. Angelina's Star Performance will have its world premiere at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 6 September 2007 before beginning a major UK tour visiting over 20 regional venues.

Angelina's Star Performance runs for 1 hour and 20 minutes including a 20 minute interval. -- www.ballet.org.uk