Local Dancer Enacts "Angelina Ballerina" with Author Katharine Holabird

On a bright Saturday morning, the air at Children's Book World was filled with excitement and anticipation as families gathered for a special event featuring beloved children's author Katharine Holabird. The occasion promised not only a delightful storytime but also a unique performance by a local young dancer, Sorcha Cinadr, who brought to life the cherished character of Angelina Ballerina.

Sorcha Cinadr rehearses with acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and Westside Ballet's Artistic Director Martine Harley, preparing to bring Angelina Ballerina to life at Children's Book World. Photo courtesy of Westside Ballet.

The event, which took place on March 9th at 11:00 AM, was a celebration of imagination, literature, and the art of dance. Katharine Holabird, known for her enchanting tales of Angelina Ballerina, graciously took the floor alongside Sorcha Cinadr, a seventh-grader from Paul Revere Charter Middle School and a dedicated member of Westside Ballet.

Sorcha, a talented dancer hailing from Topanga Canyon, embraced the role of Angelina with grace and enthusiasm. Under the guidance of Ms. Holabird and Westside Ballet's Artistic Director, Martine Harley, Sorcha immersed herself in the character, embodying the spirit of the beloved mouse who dreams of becoming a ballerina.

Sorcha Cinadr captivates a young audience with her captivating performance as Angelina Ballerina, bringing joy and wonder to Children's Book World on March 9th. Photo courtesy of Westside Ballet.

Katharine Holabird, the creative force behind the enchanting tales of Angelina Ballerina, graced the event with her presence. Born into a family of architects and artists in Chicago, Holabird's childhood was steeped in a world of imagination, fairy tales, and ballet. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences of performing and dancing with her sisters, she crafted the first Angelina Ballerina story at her kitchen table, with her daughters twirling around her.

At the book reading and signing event, Holabird shared anecdotes about her creative process and the origins of Angelina Ballerina, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings. Watching Sorcha Cinadr bring Angelina to life on stage, Holabird's eyes sparkled with delight, a testament to the enduring impact of her beloved character on generations of readers.

Sorcha Cinadr rehearses with acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and Westside Ballet's Artistic Director Martine Harley, preparing to bring Angelina Ballerina to life at Children's Book World. Photo courtesy of Westside Ballet.

The young audience was entranced as Sorcha twirled and pirouetted, bringing Angelina to life before their eyes. After the performance, eager children lined up to have their photos taken with Sorcha, captivated by her portrayal of their beloved storybook character.

Reflecting on the event, Holabird expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to witness firsthand the joy and excitement sparked by her stories. "I was delighted that Westside Ballet's very talented young dancer Sorcha could join me at Children's Book World," she remarked. "She's a natural performer and she effortlessly brought Angelina Ballerina to life for our captivated young audience."

Reflecting on her experience, Sorcha shared her joy at being chosen to portray Angelina, a character who had been a cherished part of her childhood reading. "In the future, I aspire to be a strong, confident dancer, study at one of the best schools in the country, and pursue a career in art," she remarked, her passion for dance shining through.

The collaboration between author and dancer was a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the power of artistic expression to captivate young hearts and minds.

As the event drew to a close, the magic of storytelling and dance lingered in the air, a reminder of the boundless possibilities of dreams fulfilled. Through the artistry of dancers like Sorcha Cinadr and the timeless tales spun by authors like Katharine Holabird, imagination continues to inspire, uplift, and unite communities in celebration of the human spirit.

Sorcha's performance at Children's Book World showcased not only her individual talent but also the supportive community fostered by institutions like Westside Ballet, where dreams take flight on the wings of imagination.

Founded in 1967 by NYCB principal ballerina Yvonne Mounsey and Royal Ballet First Soloist Rosemary Valaire, Westside School of Ballet has nurtured generations of dancers, welcoming all who share a love for the art form.