Whether your child dreams of performing the Nutcracker on an international stage or if he or she is simply looking to have some fun discovering ballet, the Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy (KPBA) is one local place to learn.

KPBA offers preschool creative movement dance classes, pre-ballet classes and ballet lessons for children and adults. Its artistic staff is dedicated to providing a creative, inspiring and fun learning environment while upholding the highest standards of classical ballet excellence.

The academy is directed by Kristina Pulcini, a professional ballerina for nearly a decade and expert in the tradition of classical ballet pedagogy. Pulcini was a member of and performed with three major professional ballet companies: Boston Ballet, Tulsa Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin. She performed throughout the United States and in Europe and Japan.

In 2000, Pulcini won gold and silver medals at the Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest student ballet scholarship competition, and International Ballet Competition.

"I was really drawn to the beauty of the art form of being part of a theatrical production, putting on a costume, immersing myself in a character and taking the audience on a journey to enjoy something special," Pulcini recalls. "I loved the physical activity and movement."

"I've spent a lot of time on stage in my career," Pulcini continues. "It is my goal to get my students up there as well, experience the lights and applause … that special moment. The overriding goal is to have a fun, creative and inspirational environment."

When students reach a certain level, they can audition for Delaware Valley Ballet Theater (DVBT), KPBA's regional ballet company. Comprised of students with outstanding potential, it prepares dancers to enter university dance programs or professional ballet companies.

Through annual performances, DVBT brings the excitement of close contact with a regional ballet company to KPBA students and audiences throughout the Delaware Valley. Since students at KPBA are mostly girls, professional male ballet dancers are hired to participate in the performances.

KPBA ballerinas present abridged versions of classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Coppelia and Cinderella for the Spring Showcase. All tutus are exquisitely designed and custom made by a professional costume maker.

Class size is limited to 12, with a six to one student-teacher ratio. All staff are either professional ballerinas or have dance degrees in dance education.

"I had to travel far away for instruction," Pulcini recalls. "Students are very fortunate to have the academy right here in Havertown."

Classes are based on age and experience as well as students' desires and ambitions.

"Some come once a week and others want to come everyday," Pulcini says. "It's a professional, fun environment for everyone."

For more information on Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy, located at 101 West Eagle Rd., Havertown, call 610-853-0555 or visit www.kpballet.com