Events
The Purple Tutu
For the past 9 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
Adelae Harden
Vice President
I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and have danced competitvely at The Movement Studios. This is my third year on the West Potomac Varsity Dance team for both fall and winter seasons. I am so excited to be teaching at The Purple Tutu for a second year and always look forward to classes every Sunday!
Georgia Cartwright
Assistant Instructor
I have been dancing since I was 2 years old, and this is my second year assisting with The Purple Tutu classes. I currently dance at The Movement Studios, and am a member of the West Potomac Dance Team for both the fall and winter seasons. I love working with all of the amazing students at Purple Tutu, and I am so grateful that I am able to dance with them and share my passion!
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 recently graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law with a concentration in health law. She currently is an Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown University's Center on Health Insurance Reforms.
Sydney Kopple
Assistant Instructor
This is my first year with The Purple Tutu and I am so excited to be apart of this organization! I have been dancing since I was three and have had experience dancing competitively at The Movement Studios. I currently am on the West Potomac Dance Team and I cannot wait to share my love of dance with these dancers!
Rachel Jurta
President
I have been dancing since I was two years old and have helped with purple tutu classes for the last t4 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!
