Parents' Guide to

Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Dancing dynamo has positive messages for young viewers.

TV PBS Kids Kids' Animation 2009
Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 6+

Based on 18 parent reviews

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faspjasfdoppjdsf Adult
July 5, 2022
age 2+

I don't know what you're all complaining about

Sure the CGI might not of been the best thing ever, but other than that this show was great. I still love the original, but this was better. I enjoyed learning about different dances from other countries. And did you even watch the first episode? It teaches you that change isn't always a bad thing, its just different. This was certainly a good change. The songs are catchy and soothing, and the characters are all kind to each other. The original had some rude characters like Sammy, this new one doesn't. A great show that gets too much hate, avoid the bad reviews and show this to your kids. These people need to take off their nostalgia goggles, look beyond the CGI, and see the charm this show really has.
1 person found this helpful.
DogLover in DE
DogLover in DE Parent of 2 and 5-year-old
March 17, 2011
age 3+
My 5 year old daughter likes this but not as much as the orginal Angelina Ballerina which she loved as a 4 year old. I agree with many of the reviewers here and do not understand why the producers felt compelled to update this wonderful cartoon. I think this new version is a bit sophisticated for a 3 year old.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 18 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ANGELINA BALLERINA: THE NEXT STEPS chronicles the adventures of aspiring dancer Angelina (voiced by Charlotte Spencer) as she continues her education at a new school in hopes of becoming a ballerina extraordinaire. At Camembert Academy for the Performing Arts, 8-year-old Angelina finds that this new stage of her life is full of stumbling blocks. But with the support of her new friends, the precocious little mouseling turns each challenge into a chance to learn from her mistakes and reflect on the type of person -- er, mouse -- she wants to be.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (18):
Kids say (19):

Existing Angelina fans will pirouette for joy over this new series. Colorful computer animation gives new dimension to the young mouse, doing justice to her larger-than-life personality. The show's bright hues and modern style will appeal to today's preschoolers, and the sweet stories -- each infused with essential life lessons for young viewers -- are a seamless continuation of those from the original series.

Angelina's diverse new group of friends encourages her to step out of her comfort zone in her dance, and while it's not always easy, she learns a little something about herself and her abilities each time. Kids will walk away from these stories with a positive outlook on trying new things and chasing their dreams, and they'll acquire some basic tools for coping with troubles. Couple that with the show's strong messages about friendship, perseverance, and self-confidence, and there's a lot to like about this dynamic dancer.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about setting and achieving goals. Kids: What are some of your goals? How do you plan to work toward them? How do you feel when you encounter a setback in your plans?

  • Kids: How does this series compare to the books by Katharine Holabird and the original TV series? What other shows do you like that are based on books?

  • Families can use this show to foster kids' interest in the performing arts. Attend a play or concert in your area, and talk to your kids about it. Did you enjoy the performance? What was your favorite part?

TV Details

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