Events
The Purple Tutu
For the past 7 years, The Purple Tutu Ballet VA has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children with Down syndrome through the magic of dance. Our program offers free ballet classes taught by experienced and passionate dancers who are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for every child.
Classes are currently held every Sunday from 3:00-3:30 at the Just Dance studio.
Email: thepurpletutuva@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepurpletutuva/
Our Mission
The mission at Purple Tutu mirrors ArtSpire VA’s: to make the arts accessible to all, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. We aspire to bring ballet to dancers in the special needs community. We believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of dance.
Our Commitment
Our commitment to children with Down syndrome and their families is unwavering. We understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this journey, and we are here to support, inspire, and empower each child to reach their full potential.
Building a Brighter Future
As we look ahead, we are determined to continue growing and expanding our program to reach even more children who can benefit from the transformative power of dance. We envision a future where every child with Down syndrome has the opportunity to shine on the stage, express themselves through movement, and build confidence that extends beyond the dance studio.
Our Team
Madison Harden
Program Director
After volunteering with the original chapter of The Purple Tutu Ballet in Charleston, SC, Madison decided to bring this program to Virginia when she moved to Alexandria in 2016. Madison has studied ballet and other forms of dance for 16 years and has danced at the collegiate and professional levels in London and New York City. She has studied Child and Adolescent Mental Health and is currently going to law school to pursue a career in special education law and disability rights advocacy.
Rachel Jurta
Assistant Instructor
I have been dancing since I was two years old and have helped with purple tutu classes for the last three years. I am also on the West Potomac Dance Team and always find joy in helping the girls reach their highest potential in dance while giving them a safe space to build relationships and have fun!
Eden Flora
President
I have been dancing since I was two years old, and have spent the last eleven years dancing at Metropolitan School of the Arts. I danced on the West Potomac High School Dance Team all four years of high school for both the fall football season and winter competition season. I have spent the last two years working with this wonderful group of girls, and have been so thankful to be able to share my love for dance with them!