The Zebra Press - GOOD News in Alexandria, VA

12/07/2025

Chris Collins confesses he never had any doubt as to what he wanted to do when he grew up: the same thing he was doing at the age of 6 when he dressed in a satin suit and tap shoes. Dance!

Fresh out of Alexandria City High School (then known as T.C. Williams High School), Collins studied dance at private dance studios and business at Northern Virginia Community College, and rented an empty room at the old Blessed Sacrament School’s location with the vision of a dancing Alexandria populace. The first small recital—Showtime 1977—of the Chris Collins Dance Studio was held at an elementary school, making use of black lights, stage scenery, a record player, and one speaker. That first Chris Collins Dance Studio Showtime laid the track for performances over the next 49 years. Read full story below.

Chris Collins Dance Studio

Alexandria, VA - Chris Collins confesses he never had any doubt as to what he wanted to do when he grew up: the same thing he was doing at the age of 6

12/06/2025

We had a great time at the Scottish Christmas Walk today!!! Here is Newzie, our mascot, showing off the December issue.

12/06/2025

🎄🐪 Yes, George Washington once brought a CAMEL to Mount Vernon for Christmas — and you can STILL see a camel there today!

Huge thanks to for resurfacing this amazing bit of local history. In December 1787, Washington paid 18 shillings for an animal purchased in Alexandria and delivered to Mount Vernon.

That animal was…
🐪 A camel
📏 About 7 feet tall
⚖️ Almost 1,400 pounds

Washington hired the camel as a special holiday attraction for his guests — an exotic, unforgettable Christmas surprise.

✨ And the tradition lives on!
Mount Vernon still brings in a real camel every December. His name is Aladdin, and visitors can see him up close during the holiday season — just as Washington intended more than two centuries ago. Dive into Mount Vernon’s website for the full story!

This is one of those Alexandria tales that feels too wild to be true… but absolutely is. Consider it your reminder that our first president liked big, bold holiday flair.

Camel

12/06/2025

Did you know George Washington once brought a camel to Mount Vernon for Christmas? 🎄🐪

Thanks to Alexandria History Tours, this delightful 1787 story is making the rounds again — and you can still visit a Christmas camel today. Meet Aladdin at Mount Vernon and experience one of Alexandria’s most charming holiday traditions!

See full story here: https://thezebra.org/2025/12/06/george-washingtons-christmas-camel-lives-on-the-1400-pound-holiday-visitor-you-can-still-see-at-mount-vernon/



George Washington's Mount Vernon

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Thanks to a captivating social media reel by Alexandria History Tours, a delightful piece of local lore is making the rounds again: in

12/05/2025

The ultimate go-to place for your holiday shopping! You'll be amazed at all the fabulous gifts at the George Washington's Mount Vernon gift shops! From George's favorite cologne to "Future President" baby bibs, there's something for everyone - and yourself!

By Susan McLain Sullivan Here We Are Again! Like the refrain from the famous holiday carol, we have truly landed in early December. Tis not the season for

12/05/2025

Here's a great present for someone who has everything!!!

12/05/2025

Athena Wellness PT is a female-focused clinic located in Fort Hunt that wants women to live the best quality life at ALL stages!

Check them out at https://athenawellnesspt.com/

12/05/2025

R.I.P McArthur Myers (1952-2025)
Full obituary here: https://thezebra.org/2025/12/04/mcarthur-myers-obituary-alexandria/