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A free ballet program in White Plains is helping children discover confidence, creativity and a love of the arts — one plié at a time.
The Bronxville Ballet’s “Not for Sale” program is offering free ballet instruction to children in kindergarten through third grade, thanks to private donations aimed at making performing arts more accessible.
Organizers say the partnership between the White Plains Youth Bureau and the ballet program is designed to ensure every child, regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to experience dance.
“The Bronxville Ballet and the White Plains Youth Bureau want to make sure that every child has access to the performing arts,” said Gina Covington, of the White Plains Youth Bureau. “It benefits the community. It benefits our kids.”
Families say the program is making a meaningful impact by helping children build confidence, improve posture and look forward to classes each week.
Bronxville Ballet staff say seeing the children grow — both in dance and self-esteem — is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
“It opens up their worldview,” Covington said. “I think they see themselves in a different light and they know they’re capable of achieving things they never thought were possible.”
Those interested in supporting the White Plains dancers can learn more through the Bronxville Ballet website.