-Bryan Buttler Media Relations, LLC
Chocolate Ballerina Company, a contemporary community-based dance organization that supports the hidden talents in youth and adult artists of color in the Philadelphia region, is pleased to announce two of their signature programs for Summer 2021. Their popular IMPACT program returns for a new Summer 2021 session, running July 7 through August 14, 2021. The program provides free dance classes and free dance leotards for performers 12-16 years in age. The program runs 6:30pm to 8:30pm every Wednesday, at the Mt. Airy Playground Recreation Center, located at 7001 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119.
Additionally, the company is announcing their Tiny Ballerinas Summer Series, a reduced-price summer program for ages 3 to 6 at the Equilibrium Dance Academy. These tiny Chocolate Ballerinas will receive ballet, acrobatics, and yoga training in a fun, supportive, and nurturing environment. Complimentary daily snacks will be provided, and families can look forward to enjoying a final performance in August. The program runs 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, from July 12 through July 30, 2021.
“We are thrilled to bring these two programs to Philadelphia area youth this summer,” notes Artistic Director Chanel Holland. “Our vision is to provide urban areas stripped of the opportunity to receive professional training and exposure to cross-studied dance forms, celebrate Black culture, and allow the community to witness the unknown. By bringing these types of opportunities to our youth, Chocolate Ballerina Company hopes to provide students with a new found sense of confidence and inspiration that they can do anything that they put their hearts and minds to.”
During both programs, participants will spend their time learning a mixture of all level ballet and contemporary form and technical training, while building confidence, skill, and friendships. At the end of the programs, there will be two community performances; details will be announced at a later date.
SERVICE DETAILS FOR SUMMER IMPACT PROGRAM
Dates: July 7-August 14, 2021
Times: Wednesday, 6:30pm-8pm
Location: Mt. Airy Playground Recreation Center, 7001 Germantown Avenue, PhiladelphiaAges: 12-16
Registration fee: $30
Information: info@chocolateballerinacompany.com
SERVICE DETAILS FOR TINY BALLERINAS SUMMER SERIES
Dates: July 12-July 30, 2021
Times: Monday through Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Equilibrium Dance Academy, 1802 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Ages: 3-6
Fee: $60/week
Registration link: https://forms.gle/yWNY7Z85WpKVBzNLA
MORE ABOUT CHOCOLATE BALLERINA COMPANY: Chocolate Ballerina Company illustrates the struggles and successes of African-American culture through dance. Founded in 2017 by Artistic Director Chanel Holland, Chocolate Ballerina Company engages underserved communities through dance, to inspire and instill a sense of hope, discipline, and confidence through training and through professional development. The company offers free dance classes, outreach programs, pop-up performances, masterclasses, and more, both digitally and in-person.
MORE ABOUT CHANEL HOLLAND: Holland created Chocolate Ballerina Company due to the lack of ballet culture in urban communities and performance opportunities for black artists. At the age of 16, Chanel was accepted into The Alvin Ailey School, a world-class training program for aspiring dancers. She studied at Koresh, The University of the Arts, National Dance Institute NYC, and Wissahickon Dance Academy. Determined to put her knowledge to use, Chanel’s experience includes becoming a Complexions’ Apprentice, member of the Philadelphia Dance Company II, NAACP-ACT-So’s 2011 Gold Medalist, 2010 Choreographer of the Year, and a member of the Sixers Junior Dance Team. Through her time in the dance community, Chanel engaged in the opportunity to be an active background dancer for various local and international artists. She is a graduate of Temple University and a lead teaching artist for BalletX’s in-school dance education program, Dance eXchange.
OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS: Chocolate Ballerina Company is committed to taking dance beyond traditional studio and theater environments. In addition to creating new dance projects and inspiring the next generation, Chocolate Ballerina Company engages in innovative community outreach initiatives. The youth outreach program connects with local community organizations and early childhood education centers to serve economically-challenged youth by bringing passionate dancers to perform, demonstrate, engage, and teach movement skills and creative exploration. Past Outreach Partners include Temple University Upward Bound Program, Mt.Airy Playground Recreation Center , Water Tower Recreation Center, and Franklin Learning Center. Recently, Chocolate Ballerina Company partnered with the New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia; they are planning a live stream taped performance in June for Black Music Month.
POP-UP PERFORMANCES: Chocolate Ballerina Company travels throughout the Philadelphia area performing at local festivals, concerts, and arts & culture events free of charge. Their repertoire of culture-changing choreography gives back to the community by exposing the art of dance at both indoor and outdoor community events. Upcoming pop-up performances can be found here: https://www.chocolateballerinacompany.com/popup-performances
AFFORDABLE PRIVATE LESSONS: Chocolate Ballerina Company offers private lessons for ages 5 and up for $50 an hour. Private lessons are a great way to introduce a child or adult to the world of dance or fine-tune the skills already possessed. Lessons can include tips on audition submissions, including choreography geared toward requirements; artist development, including a healthy and nutritious meal plan; technical progress, including strength equipment to increase flexibility and overall movement; and portfolio development.
For more information on Chocolate Ballerina Company’s programs, visit www.chocolateballerinacompany.com.
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