The Muncie Ballet Studio held free performances by dancers ages three and older for the community June 26 at Canan Commons Park. The performance event was a collaboration between the studio and the City of Muncie. 

Community partners for the event included the Muncie Public Library, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Meridian Health Services and Ball State PBS. The event and activities were centered around motivating children to make healthy and balanced choices. 

“The event is about balancing your life and — despite the hard times everyone has had — that you're still taking the time to enjoy things,” said Michelle Kinsey, community engagement and grants manager at Ball State PBS. 

Ball State PBS broadcasts children’s programs created on Ball State University’s campus across several counties in East Central Indiana. 

“Anytime there is a family community event, I want to be involved — I want mostly PBS to be involved — because we have so many amazing resources and fun things for families to enjoy together,” Kinsey said.

Ball State PBS had a variety of activities at its tent, including yoga poses for children to try. Kinsey also shared books that included characters from PBS programs and summer activities for families to do together.

“It’s so important to take some time to really get out there and have some fun together with family,” Kinsey said.

The Muncie Symphony Orchestra held an instrument petting zoo — where children could try to play different instruments — to promote its “Together in Music'' community partnership program. 

Annie King, symphony orchestra member, said the “Together in Music” program is a community outreach project that aims to inspire passion for live symphonic music and to provide education to children and parents. 

“One of the things that we're hoping for is just to get kids interested in music,” King said.

The Muncie Public Library used its tent to promote the importance of reading and staff provided children with books.

Anne Cupp, who works in youth services at the Muncie Public Library, said the library is giving away books donated by Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana — an organization that aims to provide resources to teachers and students to ensure students get quality education. The library also promoted its new initiative called “Yes We Care! Reading Everywhere!” to encourage everyone to read for at least 15 minutes every day. 

“Our goal is to get out as many books as possible and to encourage kids to read because reading is fundamental,” Cupp said.

The free event brought out the Muncie community to inspire children to stay active during the summer and promote activities that will keep their minds engaged.

Contact Iris Tello with comments at idtello@bsu.edu or on Twitter @idtello98.

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