During the spring, Episcopal continued a longstanding tradition of partnering with American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) Ballet for the New Audience (BNA). In April 2024, Groups 7 and 8 explored the story of Swan Lake. Through this partnership with ABT, the children attended two in-school workshops led by ABT teaching artist Alexis Andrews. The children explored dance, movement, choreography and music and then visited the ABT rehearsal space downtown. Families were invited to attend the field trip, where they learned alongside their children, exploring costume and set design. The children were shown a variety of dance costumes, with attention paid to the elaborate craftsmanship of each piece. Every costume had a story, and the audience listened with rapt attention. The children worked with a design teaching artist to create crowns that they could wear. Each class also participated in one final session with Ms. Alexis. Our own Episcopal dancers demonstrated confidence, flexibility, direct focus and joy. This special day was capped off with a performance by dancers from the Jackie Kennedy Onassis School at ABT. Thank you to all of the chaperones who joined us.