(NAPSA)—For young girls, dance can offer many benefits— from improved endurance and flexibility to enhanced confidence and strength. It can also help young girls learn how to reach for their dreams. In the “Angelina Ballerina” storybooks by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, young dancers are introduced to the joys of dance. Angelina demonstrates a positive work ethic as she pursues her big dream of becoming a prima ballerina. Along the way, she encounters fun, adventure and some obstacles, but in the end, her passion for dance always shines through. In the new CG animated PBS KIDS series, “Angelina Ballerina The Next Steps,” Angelina follows her dreams with grace and determination, capturing both the joys and frustrations of growing up, and demonstrating thatlife isn’t a perfect ballet. To raise awareness of the benefits of dance, the “Angelina Ballerina Stars of Tomorrow” program (AB Stars) was launched by HIT Entertainment with the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, N.Y. In tandem with the new series and the launch of the program, HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate Home Entertainmentarereleas- ing a DVDtitled “Angelina Balle- rina: Love To Dance,” and Mattel has launched a new line of Angelina Ballerina toys. Penguin Young Readers Group will release three all-new Angelina Ballerina picture books based on “Angelina Angelina Ballerina introduces the youngest dancers to the joys of dance. Ballerina The Next Steps,” including “Angelina’s New Dance” and “Angelina’s New School” for 3-5 year-olds, and “The Nutcracker Sweet,” for readers ages 5-8. Angelina will also share her love of dance in a new stage show, “Angelina Ballerina The Musical.” For information, visit www. angelinaballerina.com. Angelina Ballerina’s DanceTips: eDance with your heart eAlways warm up before you dance eDon’t be afraid to try new things eMost importantly—have fun @
