Gap and Ballet Tech Partner to Bring NYC's Aspiring Tiny Dancers Free Ballet Lessons at 5th Avenue Pop-Up Ballet Studio SAN FRANCISCO, March 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tutus and teachers and twirling, oh my! Gap has transformed its rotating concept venue adjacent to its flagship store at 54th and 5th Ave. in New York City into a Tiny Dancers ballet studio open to all aspiring twinkle toes. In partnership with Ballet Tech, a local tuition-free ballet school started by world-renowned choreographer, Eliot Feld, Gap will be offering free drop-in ballet lessons for ballerinas-in-training every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday, March 28, through Sunday, April 26. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090325/SF88590) Opening today, the Tiny Dancers studio will spotlight Gap's latest trends for fluttering fashionistas - ballet-inspired clothes and accessories from the brand new babyGap and GapKids summer collections, now available online and in select stores nationwide. Playing dress up in Gap's cutest summer looks is all part of the experience during the free weekend ballet lessons. "It is an honor to be working with Ballet Tech, extending its admirable cause to even more kids, and to bring our ballet-inspired collection to life in a special way," said Ivy Ross, executive vice president, Gap Marketing. "At Gap, we love encouraging individual style and we think this is a fun way for kids to mix-and-match this collection with versatile Gap favorites. Dance is a creative way for kids to express themselves and we're thrilled to give our youngest customers an unexpected opportunity to have fun and show off their best moves." From flowy tulle skirts [$29.50 - $44.50] and rhinestone leggings [$14.50], to striped headbands [$7.50] and sneakers [$19.50], babyGap and GapKids' latest styles come in the bright, bold colors of summer and will be available for purchase in the Tiny Dancers studio, today through Sun, April 26. "We are delighted to partner with Gap on the launch of Tiny Dancers," said Eliot Feld, founder and president, Ballet Tech. "Gap's strong commitment to the arts as well as its broad-reaching efforts to help young people fulfill their potential aligns with our own mission to make classical dance accessible to all children of passion and talent, regardless of background." Details about Tiny Dancers Studio: WHEN: Wednesday, March 25, through Sunday, April 26, Store Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ballet Tech Lessons: Dance lessons are in session from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Saturday & Sunday, March 28-29 Saturday & Sunday, April 4-5 Saturday & Sunday, April 11-12 Saturday & Sunday, April 18-19 Saturday & Sunday, April 25-26 WHERE: 680 Fifth Avenue [between 53rd and 54th Streets], New York City About Gap Inc. Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal 2008 sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com. About Ballet Tech In 1974, world-renowned choreographer Eliot Feld founded Ballet Tech as a professional dance company to serve as an outlet for his innovative choreography. Four years later, Mr. Feld established a tuition-free school for New York City public school children. For 30 years Ballet Tech has been a leader in bringing the love of dance to children across New York City. Each year, Ballet Tech introduces classical dance to 30,000 children and provides 800 students with a continuum of training from beginner to professional levels. Since 1978, the School has auditioned 630,395 children and enrolled 17,153 students. Ballet Tech provides all classes as well as leotards, tights, and dance shoes free of charge. Students who show the talent and passion required to study classical ballet are invited to enroll full-time at the New York City Public School for Dance - a cooperative, tuition-free venture between the NYC Department of Education and Ballet Tech. Media Contacts: Katie O'Kane Kim Terry SS+K for Gap Gap Marketing + PR 212-419-3374 415-427-4844 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090325/SF88590 http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Gap Inc. CONTACT: Katie O'Kane of SS+K, , +1-212-419-3374, for Gap Inc.; or Kim Terry of Gap Marketing + PR, , +1-415-427-4844 Web Site: http://www.gapinc.com/

Copyright