Parenting magazine’s website at parenting.com
Pop in this DVD and give your kids a low-key but surprisingly sophisticated introduction to the joy of dance. An animated ballerina introduces a small crowd of tutu-clad girls to Swan Lake, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet. She narrates the story for the group (and your child) in short, easy-to-understand segments, with demos of basic moves sprinkled in. Playfully accented with animals and nature scenes, the story will charm girls and boys alike.
–editors at Parenting.com
Cool Mom Picks at coolmompicks.com
Swan Lake on a Budget. As an avid ballet lover, I've been waiting for the day my daughter was old enough to make it through the Nutcracker. But considering she can't make it through a Disney movie without a snack and at least one dance break, I'm not willing to shell out the dough to take her to an actual performance.
But thanks to Prima Princessa, she can get an almost real live ballet right in our living room. Created entirely by moms Mary Kate Mellow and Stephanie Troeller, Prima Princessa features the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet performing Swan Lake, with kid-friendly story narration by a cartoon ballerina. Between acts, you'll find live action demos of ballet steps performed by School of American Ballet students.
While the ballet snob in me says that a jumping frog doesn't necessarily jete, as the DVD indicates, try telling my daughter that. If you can stop her from dancing around while it's on.
–Kristen
Classy Mommy at classymommy.com
This was a fantastic DVD to review and we've seen nothing like it so far in our reviews. If your little girl aspires to be a ballerina and yearns to be a princess, she'll dig this DVD created entirely by 2 Moms from New Jersey. Prima Princessa features segments of the Paris Opera Ballet performing Swan Lake as narrated by a cute little cartoon Ballerina. The DVD flips between scenes of the live ballet performance and real little girls dancing around in tutus along with some coaching from the cartoon princess. Before you know it, your 3 year old will be doing pirouettes and arabesques in your living room! I'm not kidding!
By Debbie Satala, reviewer for The Dove Foundation
This is a great film for young and old, especially those who like ballet. Your child will learn about the theater and see a real ballet. The producers did a great job of telling the story of Swan Lake with the visual aid of the real ballet. The filmmakers also did a good job of shortening the ballet just enough to keep the interest of the children. Your child will be introduced to the basic ballet moves and will learn a little more about this wonderful dance form.
Reviews From Amazon.com
Original and Engaging Video By Emily Glickman "Abacusguide.com" (NYC)
If you want to take your children to the ballet without going out, watch this video. A beautiful introduction to Swan Lake, the video features clips of the real ballet with explanatory narrative, professional dance students, and tutu-clad preschoolers. The video taught my children an interesting story and inspired them to dance while they watched.
Ballet is magical,
By E. Primavera "dance diva" (Chicago, IL)
The interweaving of story, ballet class subtext, Paris Opera Ballet staging, and little girl fun all combine to present a wonderful introduction to the world of dance. Swan Lake is presented as a compelling love story that delights young viewers. Selected ballet steps are broken down and explained in approachable segments, and the little girls' interpretation of the steps is nothing short of infectious. I wish I could experience dance as joyfully as a four-year-old!!
Entertaining, educational and beautiful! By K. Stock (Addison, TX )
This DVD provides not only a wonderful introduction to Swan Lake, but also an entertaining and captivating experience for the viewer. The interweaving of the Paris Ballet, American Ballet students and the "budding ballerinas" makes it appealing to all ages. My daughter loved it and danced along as the ballet terms were introduced. The animated Prima Princessa is a great guide throughout the show.
Great, educational fun for budding ballet dancers,
By Mache "mhn" (Brookline, MA )
II saw this DVD at a friend's house, and my 5 year-old daughter loved it. Her 10 year-old brother enjoyed it a lot too! This is a great way to learn about ballet in the most engaging way possible for a young child. The alternating sequences - kids dancing, the real Swan Lake, and ballet moves demonstrated by child dancers keep it interesting and engaging for all viewers. It is laid out in such a way that the viewer really learns, and it's totally enjoyable and adorable.
Prima Princessa DVD is a hit with both my girls,
By Sandy
We got this DVD for our 3 year old who loves to dress-up and play princess. She loves it, of course. Our 9 year old was not expecting to like the video at all but the "real live ballerinas" were mesmerizing & she has declared Prima Princessa is "fabulous!" Thank you for a video both girls can enjoy together!
