Kicking off March 4, episodes will give young fans a window into Bronx culture with breakdancing and neighborhood drum circles; in ‘Alma the B Girl,’ Alma and her friends work to perfect their moves.
PBS Kids has announced brand-new episodes of the popular 2D animated series Alma's Way, rolling out the week of March 4. The latest episodes from the show, produced by Fred Rogers Productions and created by Sonia Manzano ("Maria" from Sesame Street), give young fans a window into Bronx culture with breakdancing and neighborhood drum circles. Alma and her friends learn about celebrated art forms with strong NYC roots right in their own community.
In addition to the new episodes, Alma’s Way will debut a brand-new My Way live-action short on March 6, featuring the amazing moves of some of breakdancing's brightest and youngest stars, with help from their teacher, Victor "Kid Glyde" Alicea of the Dynamic Rockers. Glyde, founder of breakdance studio Harlem's Kids Breaking League (KBL), helps kids build self-confidence within their community while introducing them to the history and culture of breaking. Glyde will also be a coach for the breaking competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics, marking the sport's official debut in the program and the first dance sport to appear in Summer Olympics history.
Kicking off the week of new episodes is “Alma the B Girl,” the corresponding breakdance-themed short. Ana "Rokafella" Garcia, the celebrated “b girl” pioneer from Spanish Harlem, chooses the breaking moves that Alma and her friends work to perfect, as well as advising on the best way to bring them to life through animation.
Another stand-out new episode is “Howard Brings the Beat,” which features the sounds of Khalid Freeman, an innovative body percussionist. An accomplished performer and choreographer, Khalid’s credits include Cirque Du Soleil: Beatles LOVE and the long-running stage show STOMP, as well as multiple Superbowl Halftime shows. Khalid blends percussive dance styles to create a unique fusion that he calls “Khalid Greens.”
Here's a rundown of new episodes of Alma's Way, premiering the week of March 4:
Monday, March 4
- “Alma the B Girl / Happy Chacho Day!” – Junior gets frustrated when Alma joins his dance group, and she keeps distracting him from learning the moves. / Alma wants to celebrate Chacho’s birthday so he can have a special day.
Tuesday, March 5
- “The Missing Vote / Alma’s Lemonade and Everything Else Stand” – When the after-school program has a vote for new board games or art supplies, Alma and André pressure Yolette to vote their way. / Alma and Harper open a lemonade stand and learn they can’t make something special for every single person.
Wednesday, March 6
- “Howard Brings the Beat / Alma’s Payday” – -When Howard joins Alma and André in the neighborhood drum circle, Alma helps him find the drum he’s looking for. / Junior helps Alma finish a job, but instead of splitting the pay evenly, Alma keeps more for herself. Is that fair?
Thursday, March 7
- “A Tale of Two Almas / The Longest Race” – Alma teaches Emi how to be just like her, but now Emi won’t stop imitating her. / Should Alma keep running and finish the “world’s longest race”...or not?
Friday, March 8
- “Goodbye, Howard! / Re-Use Re-Do” – When Alma thinks Howard is moving, she tells all her friends. / Alma wonders if she should just buy new materials for her recycled art project.
Source: PBS Kids
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
