Kravis Center, American Ballet Theatre, and Boys & Girls Club Partner for Project Plié

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Curriculum Certified faculty member, Michele Zehner, from the Florida School for Dance Education, guided West Palm Beach area children through a fun activity-based movement class designed to introduce them to the art form of classical ballet. The class, part of ABT's Project Plié program, was held recently at the Florence A. De George Boys & Girls Club and more than 60 children ages 8-12 participated.

"The Kravis Center was delighted to partner with the Florence A. De George Boys & Girls Club and American Ballet Theatre to present Project Plié to our local students" said Tracy Butler, director of education for the Kravis Center. "It is a central focus of our mission to bring arts education programming to students, particularly those in underserved communities, and help connect young people who show promise in the performing arts to programs that can nurture their talent. Project Plié is a wonderful example of this."

American Ballet Theatre and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) started a partnership in 2014 to introduce children to classical ballet through a master class series at BGCA locations across the country. In 2014, over 600 students participated, and in 2015, over 800 children participated nationwide. From these master classes, talented children with the natural ability and desire to dance were awarded with scholarships for ballet training. Fifteen children were identified for scholarships in 2014 and 37 in 2015.

Project Plié is an initiative founded by ABT in 2013 to increase diversity in the art form of classical ballet. Michele Zehner is an ABT Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 3, and is a Project Plié Partner Teacher.

In launching Project Plié, American Ballet Theatre aims to take an important step toward helping the classical ballet profession better reflect the multicultural and ethnic diversity of our country's population. This initiative can assist ballet students from diverse backgrounds in reaching their full potential by providing them with the support and active engagement of teachers, mentors and current professional dancers. We sincerely believe that diversifying the art form at its training level will strengthen and broaden the pipeline of future artists and help ensure ballet's continued relevance in the 21st century.

American Ballet Theatre isn't just a company. It's a collaboration. Dedicated, passionate people who come together to make sure that our commitment to the best in dance and movement is upheld, and available to all who seek it out. From our staff, artists and Board of Trustees to our many volunteers, the ABT family works tirelessly to ensure that we stay true to our unique vision of live performance.

Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone - they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 8,000 children ages 6-18.

Florida School for Dance Education's teachers and staff all share the belief in a complete approach to training students. We realize that the lines of dance styles are becoming blurred and serious minded students must, above all, be versatile if they plan to pursue dance as a career. Florida School for Dance Education also understands the awesome responsibility handed to us with the care of these students. We recognize that only through a safe and nurturing environment will the students be able to explore and develop into confident and dynamic adults, no matter which path they choose to pursue.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS ...

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and International Artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. Please visit kravis.org.