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Jenelle Manzi: On How To Become a Professional Ballerina *Giveaway*

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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Laurie. Congrats!

As a little girl, my mother encouraged me to try different activities to see if something struck a passion within me.  I remember tumbling at our local YMCA, swimming with my father at our local pool, twirling and tapping during dance class at my elementary school, competing with the mounted drill team, selling girl scout cookies and singing at ACSI Musicale.  While I never pursued a professional career as a singer or a dancer, my involvement with my local hospital as a volunteer inspired me to pursue a career in nursing.

My daughter is at an age where her curiosity about the world is limitless.  She adores princesses, pink, and pretty things. This year we’ll start her in a ballet class for tots.  I loved ballet because it provided a creative, expressive way to get moving while interacting with other children.

Barbie In The Pink Shoes

Last week, I had an opportunity to speak with  professional ballerina Jenelle Manzi of the New York City Ballet.  Using motion capture technology, Manzi’s dance moves are featured in the new movie Barbie In The Pink Shoes.

Barbie In The Pink Shoes Still

The new film, now available on DVD and Blu-ray, stars Kristyn, a ballerina with big dreams.  When she tries on a pair of sparkling pink shoes, she and her friend Hailey are whisked away to a magical ballet world where Kristyn learns that she must dance to defeat an evil Snow Queen.

The film features the music of Giselle and Swan Lake and teaches little girls that when they dance with their heart, dreams can come true.

Photographer Dennis DiLaura Stylist Sheryl Job# 1249680C Retoucher: Alex DJ

In addition to the film’s release, Mattel partnered to create a brand new toy line called BARBIE in The Pink Shoes which features Barbie as Kristyn Farraday 2-in-1 Doll, Barbie as Giselle and Odette Feature Dolls, and Ken as Prince Siegfried Doll.

In our one-on-one interview, Jenelle Manzi of the New York City Ballet spoke about how she became involved professionally in ballet, what it was like to work on the new film Barbie In The Pink Shoes, and how parents can inspire their little girls who have an interest in ballet.

Win It!  One of you will win a gift basket that will include  Barbie as Kristyn Farraday 2-in-1 Doll, Barbie In The Pink Shoes DVD, and more. Simply leave me a comment after you’ve watched the video telling me one thing you learned from Jenelle Manzi!  Comments will close on March 22, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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No compensation was received for this post. The interview and products for review/giveaway supplied by Barbie/Mattel.

 Images: Barbie/Mattel

Caryn Bailey
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131 Responses to Jenelle Manzi: On How To Become a Professional Ballerina *Giveaway*

  1. I learned that you need to work hard, listen to your instructors, and watch other dancers to become a true ballerina.

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  18. I love that the movie is about “following your dreams” and I think my little girl would love to dance along! I think it’s amazing that she would practice daily at the age of ten. Thanks for the chance!

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  22. I learned that her grandmother brought her to see the nutcracker when she was 4 and that’s how she got into ballet!

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  36. I learned that Jenelle thinks you have to “follow the beat of your own heart” to find inspiration in dance.
    jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. SHE WENT TO THE SEE THE NUTCRACKER WITH HER GRANDMOTHER WHEN SHE WAS 4 AND THAT IS WHAT GOT HER STARTED

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  53. I couldn’t hear the video! My volume is on max and I have the YouTube volume also on max but I could only hear her barely.

    I did see a lot of cool dancing and see she dispensed advice to little girls who wanted to be ballerinas… (see, I really did make a good faith effort!)

    Am I really the only one this is happening with?

    Reply

  72. I learned that she advises the kids to start early and find their inspiration! I love that she fell in love with ballet after her grandmother took her to the Nutcracker!

    Reply

  82. I learned after her grandmother took her to see the nutcracker she became inspired. She started taking lessons at 3/4 and did it once a week then as she got a bit older it was an everyday thing. sweepmorey at gmail dot com

    Reply

  87. I learned that she wanted to be a ballerina after her grandmother to see the Nutcracker when she was 4.

    Reply

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