An interactive ballet-themed story program provided a unique experience for youngsters Wednesday in Vandergrift.

Instructors from The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presented “Dance the Story” to more than 20 girls at the Casino Theatre.

The annual event was sponsored by the Vandergrift Public Library and presented by the Westmoreland Library Network. The free event was paid for by a donation from The Wachter Foundation.

The program was led by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre teaching artist Lindsey Kaine and audience program manager Lisa Auel.

“We’re always eager to provide unique and intriguing programming. We love the idea of getting the kids reading while exploring the art of dance,” said Kelsey Lege, Vandergrift Public Library Children’s Program Director.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Avery Deceder (left), 7, of Kiski Township and Cecilia Hengelbrok (right), 6, of West Leechburg learn ballet positions Wednesday morning onstage at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift during “Dance the Story,” a free interactive ballet-themed storytime conducted by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and sponsored by the Vandergrift Public Library.  

Participants listened to the classic story, “Sleeping Beauty” and learned ballet terms and positions during a 30-minute onstage tutorial.

Two costume pieces from previous Pittsburgh Ballet productions were on display.

The up-close, on-your-feet dance experience welcomed children in preschool through fifth grade.

“We’re grateful to the theatre for allowing us to use the space for the dance program — it adds to the atmosphere of being at the ballet,” Lege said.

Vandergrift Public Library sponsored visiting ballet teaching artists from the Pittsburgh Ballet—offering a free ballet storytime workshop Wednesday morning at the historic Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. ⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribWestmoreCo⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/dCuh2tlRBH

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) August 17, 2022

Kim Stewart, owner of Sandra Lynn School of Dance in Vandergrift, loaned tutus to each girl to make for a more authentic ballet experience.

Avery Deceder, 7, of Kiski Township returned to the stage for her second time as a storytime participant.

“The dancing parts are my favorite,” Avery said. “My mom is signing me up for ballet. I learned a new jump.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to show there is more than one way to tell a story,” Lege said.

For Kaine, teaching youngsters ballet basics provides an important introduction to ballet.

“It’s incredible because even if they don’t grow up to be a professional dancer, you learn a lot of life skills — social and emotional — from performance,” Kaine said.

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