Ballet Long Island in Ronkonkoma is offering two family-focused events this month that combine live performances with opportunities to support young dancers.
On Jan. 24, the company will host a Princess Tea Party, and on Jan. 31, it will perform The Fantastic Toyshop. Both events start at 1 p.m. at the theater, located at 1863 Pond Road.
The Princess Tea Party features photo opportunities with popular princess characters, a ballet performance designed for young audiences, and refreshments including cupcakes and lemonade. The event is held monthly for those unable to attend the January party.
“We’ve been doing the Princess Tea Parties for about 16 or 17 years,” said Artistic Director Debra Punzi. “It started because we wanted to bring ballet to people, but in a way more acceptable for very young audiences. So, we do the Cinderella Pas De Deux from the ballet Cinderella and often we have Sleeping Beauty.”
This month’s party, for which attendees are encouraged to dress in costume, will feature Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and other characters. Families are encouraged to sit at tables in a café setting and enjoy cupcakes, cookies and beverages such as tea, coffee, lemonade or water.
Attendees can expect to spend about an hour and 20 minutes at the venue, with the performance lasting 40 minutes, Punzi said.
The Fantastic Toyshop is a ballet from the early 1900s about two families who visit a shop specializing in life-size toys—from ballerinas to poodles and giant cards—all of which can dance, Punzi said. The families each try to purchase a can-can dancer, not realizing they are separating a couple in love. In a comical turn, the toys plot to keep the can-can couple together.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the non-profit Ballet Long Island also offers an apprentice program to prepare students for professional careers.
Tickets for either performance are available online at balletlongisland.com or by calling 631-737-1964. Although tickets are available at the door, advance purchase is recommended to guarantee seating. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.