WHYY for Kids

Angelina Ballerina dances onto WHYY TV12
By Abigail Esten and Mary Eileen O'Connor

When most people think about ballet, they probably envision a little girl dressed in pink tights and a tutu twirling around to classical music. Angelina loves to get dressed up and dance around too, but she is definitely not a typical girl. In fact, she's not a girl at all -- she's a mouse!

Angelina Ballerina, beginning Sunday, May 5 at 9 a.m., is a new animated series based on the beloved children's books by Katherine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig about a dance-struck little mouse named Angelina.

Angelina Ballerina follows the adventures (or, shall we say, the misadventures) of this passionate young mouse-girl who dreams of ballet stardom.

As she does her pliés, relevés, and pas de bourrées, the stubborn Angelina manages to propel herself into humorous escapades that teach her valuable life-lessons about honesty, determination and a host of other positive values. The program illustrates both the joys and frustrations of growing up.

Acclaimed film and theater actress Finty Williams gives voice to the headstrong Angelina, and her Academy Award-winning mother, Dame Judi Dench, is the voice of Angelina's devoted dance instructor Miss Lilly. Angelina's best friend Alice, young cousin Henry and rivals Penelope and Priscilla are some of the other characters in Angelina's life.

Each episode emphasizes a particular theme, such as learning to work in pairs and the importance of practice and concludes with a live-action "Little Stars" segment featuring students from London's Royal Academy of Dance, introducing children to basic dance movements and concepts using simple, engaging demonstrations that are sure to educate and inspire young viewers.

Angelina Ballerina airs Sundays at 9 a.m. beginning May 5.