Angelina's Star Performance from the English National Ballet

English National Ballet returns to the Arts Centre with popular children's ballet, Angelina's Star Performance

The acclaimed English National Ballet will return to Melbourne in January 2009 with a ballet for children three years and older.

Angelina's Star Performance is based upon author Katharine Holabird's and illustrator Helen Craig's successful and timeless book, Angelina at the Palace. It features the much-loved feisty mouse, Angelina Ballerina.

Angelina Ballerina is a little star with big dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. This little mouse works hard to reach her goal and along the way, always learns from her mistakes. The ballet follows Angelina as she prepares to stage her own performance of The Sleeping Beauty, at the request of the Queen. Angelina is joined in this new ballet by her best friend Alice and Princess Valentine. Angelina's dancing teacher Miss Lilly, Sammy, William and friends all help out to make the performance the best ever, while Phoebe and Henry cause havoc with their mischievous antics!

With a cast of eight English National Ballet dancers performing to a recorded arrangement of Tchaikovsky's music, Angelina's Star Performance offers a unique opportunity for boys and girls aged 3+ years to experience their first live ballet.

"It's enough to tickle almost anyone's inner child." The Times, UK

This visit to Melbourne follows hugely successful seasons of Angelina's Star Performance in 2007 and 2008, which saw Angelina Ballerina entertain over 160,000 fans across the UK.

"I hope it makes hundreds of children love ballet." The Daily Telegraph, UK

English National Ballet is one of the world's great ballet companies. The original 1950s vision for the Company - to take a classical ballet of the highest quality to the widest geographical audience, at a price everyone can afford - remains the cornerstone of the Company's philosophy today.

As a flagship company for the nation, English National Ballet presents an extensive touring schedule at home and abroad. They employ the best of British and international talent, choreographers, dancers, designers, musicians, rehearsal staff, technicians and administrators schedule at home and abroad. They employ the best of British and international talent, choreographers, dancers, designers, musicians, rehearsal staff, technicians and administrators - all working as an ensemble to create productions that tour brilliantly and are accessible and exciting to audiences.

The Company enthralled Melbourne dance lovers in 1999 with Swan Lake, and again in 2001 with Romeo And Juliet. The 2009 season of Angelina's Star Performance is the perfect introduction for children to the magical world of ballet.

To watch a video of Angelina's Star Performance, please go to: www.theartscentre.com.au

One week only: Tuesday 20 - Sunday 25 January 2009

All tickets $35

The Arts Centre, State Theatre

DATES:

Tuesday 20 January -1.30pm & 5.30pm
Wednesday 21 January -10.30am, 1.30pm & 5.30pm
Thursday 22 January -1.30pm & 5.30pm
Friday 23 January -1.30pm & 5.30pm
Saturday 24 January -10.30am, 1.30pm & 5.30pm
Sunday 25 January -10.30am & 1.30pm

Bookings now open at theartscentre.com.au*, 1300 136 166*, the Arts Centre Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet.
*Transaction fee applies
1 hour and 20 minutes including a 20 minutes interval
Suitability 3 - 8 years