Our Story
The Purple Tutu offers classical ballet classes to youth in the special needs community ages 4-10 in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Classes are held at Palmetto City Ballet. All classes are free of charge.
Schedule
The Charleston location has closed and we are no longer offering in person classes. You may check out our small collection of virtual classes on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznBhG8sZTYc8FvRAw7PKYQ/featured
About Us
Founded in 2014, The Purple Tutu teaches classical ballet to kids with special needs. “I was taking a science class at school and found out kids with Down Syndrome have a lot of abilities that correlate well to ballet,” explains founder Holland McDowell, who began Purple Tutu in high school. “And ballet has a lot… Continue reading About Us
Volunteer
The Purple Tutu is presently looking for Volunteers to help. Dancers Now in it’s 8th year, classes are taught weekly by a professional dancer at Palmetto City Ballet in Mount Pleasant. We are looking to add more volunteers to our team to help teach our wonderful dancers. If you know of any students with dance… Continue reading Volunteer
“While dances classes are taken for granted by most children, these little girls in their bright purple tutus are being given the chance of a lifetime. Jumping around with colorful scarves and wide smiles, these dancers all have Down syndrome.”
DailyMail
“Holland thank you so much!!!! My dauhter had an awesome time. When I picked her up, she was able to show me some of the things she learned today!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so exciting to see. I can’t wait to see what she will learn tomorrow!”
The Purple Tutu 