program

APA's Ballet for the Schools program has been a focal point since it's conception. The local public schools send classes by bus to the Alma College Heritage Center for daytime performances, and the response from students, teachers, and administrators is joyously overwhelming! As a culturally underserved community, many young students never have opportunities to attend concerts and arts programs, specifically dance, without this program. With the support of Alma College, and through applying for and receiving grants from arts groups such as the Gratiot County Community Foundation, Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, and Art Reach of Mid Michigan, Kathy has presented the following original ballets, which she has choreographed:

Cinderella; Peter Pan; The Magic Toy Shoppe; Lion King; The Great American Western; Alice in Wonderland; The Ballet of Creation; Fantastic Toy Shoppe and Jazz: Music and Dance Experience

On September 16, 2008, APA presented Jazz: A music and dance experience in 3 performances for packed auditoriums of elementary students from Ithaca, St. Louis, and Alma. This program was possible with a grant from the Gratiot County Community Foundation and the support of Alma College. Close to 1500 students attended these performances.

In addition to these Ballet for the Schools programs, presented at Alma College, APA has also taken programs into the schools, such as numerous productions of Peter and the Wolf, Puss in Boots, and Music of the Beatles. Not only are these productions great exposure to dance for school students, but they offer tremendous opportunities for APA dance students to perform.

Plans for 2009-10 include Celebrate recital dances performed in the elementary schools in the fall; participation in Gratiot County Players' Christmas program; Come Home to Alma Christmas celebration; and spring performance in the schools.