outreach 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,   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; Jazz: Music and Dance Experience and Holiday Inn

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 Frozen,  Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, and Puss in Boots. Our newest production for 2024 involved all 3 companies and featured Disney princesses. This was presented to elementary students in Alma, St  Louis and Ithaca as well as the residents at Masonic Home.  Not only are these productions great exposure to dance for school students, but they offer tremendous opportunities for APA dance students to perform.

Francis Performing Arts Company participates in the "Come Home to Alma" Christmas celebration annually with the Alma First Church of God Choir joining them for live music and dance in our studio window! This year's performance will be December 8, 2023 at the studio.