Prima Princessa

A DVD for budding ballerinas

I think I have a future ballerina on my hands. Even though she's only doing the wobbly, drunk-baby walk right now, her little eyes light up whenever she sees ballet or dancing. We were asked to review the new video, Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake, and it's official: Ava needs a tutu.

Prima Princessa was created by two, ambitious stay-at-home moms who wanted to produce something unique for young girls interested in ballet and the art of dance. Mary Kate Mellow and Stephanie Troeller had no prior movie making experience. These New Jersey moms were inspired by their daughters' love of dance and lack of ballet videos for their young age group. So with a lot of creativity, a lot of patience and a whole lot of love, Prima Princessa – a colorful, animated fairy ballerina who narrates through classical productions - was born. I'm always so inspired by moms following their dreams. To read Mary Kate and Stephanie's story, click here. 

Prima Princessa is a fun way for young girls (and moms too!) to not only experience the beauty and grace of ballet, but to actually learn about the story as well. The Paris Opera Ballet performs the enchanting tale of Swan Lake while our storyteller informs us to what each act is about. I will admit… It's been a very long time since I've seen Swan Lake and I found the narration of this fairy-tale thoroughly engaging. Ava loved watching the twirling and dancing while I was enjoying the complete ensemble.

In between each of the four acts is an intermission. Ava really perked up when the little darlings, girls about 3-4 years of age, came out in their tutus and pranced around a luscious, green yard. I could tell she wanted to join them. Prima Princessa then explained various ballet moves while students from the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center demonstrated the different dance positions. At one point they were performing jetes – or jumps, and repeatedly said the word "jump" several times. What do I hear from the little voice sitting next to me? That's right... "jump." Ava learned a new word and kept saying it over and over each time they leaped across the screen. Then of course mommy had to make a fool of herself and start jumping in the living room… but enough about that.

Prima Princessa combines the magical storytelling of ballet, the how-to instructions for learning and colorful animation to create an engaging way for budding ballerinas to discover their inner princess.  I see this video growing with us as Ava's blossoming interest in all things pink and girly continues to flourish. Look out tutus… here we come!

Websites:
www.primaprincessa.com
Their blog: www.tutuzone.com

Available in stores nationwide and on Amazon.com (retails for $19.99)

Comments

[Mary Kate]

Thanks so much for the review! I'm so glad your daughter enjoyed it. We really wanted to create a ballet DVD for kids which got them up dancing as well as showed the best professional ballet out there.

Mary Kate