AC Ballet presents The Nutcracker each year.

ATLANTIC CITY – Starting in the Fall, the Atlantic City Ballet will be offering free dance classes to children who live in Atlantic City and are enrolled in an Atlantic City public schools. With a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the ballet’s Everyday Dance Initiative will provide children with 30 weeks of dance classes, uniforms and ballet shoes.

“We are providing an educational, recreational and entertainment experience to Atlantic City youth and giving them an opportunity to expand and expound on their artistic capabilities” AC Ballet Vice-president MK Thomas said, thanking Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver for her interest in supporting the arts.

Classes are available to all K-8 elementary school children.

Ballet President Arlin Padilla said the classes are a wonderful opportunity for the children.

Classes will be held on Saturdays at the AC Ballet studio in Boardwalk Hall. Parents can go to the AC Ballet web site at www.acballet.org/learn to download an application or call the ballet office for more information.

Space is limited and participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on income eligibility. Classes begin the first week in October. Applications must be received by Sep. 15.

Founded in 1982, by International Ballerina, Phyllis Papa, the Atlantic City Ballet is comprised of professional dancers from around the world and have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and exuberant stage presence. Although their home base is in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the Ballet has performed in theaters all along the east and west coasts.

For more information call 609-348-7201.

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.