Ballet’s season finale Sunday
Ballet Spokane concludes its 2006-07 season on Sunday with the third show in its children’s series, “The Tales of Beatrix Potter.”
The one-hour story ballet, choreographed by artistic director Janet Wilder, tells of Peter Rabbit, who disobeys his mother by eating vegetables in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
When McGregor discovers Peter, he pursues him in a series of hide-and-seek adventures that feature the appearance of other Potter characters: Squirrel Nutkin, Jeremy Fisher, Ben Bunny and Tiggy Wiggle.
Peter loses his new jacket as he narrowly escapes. With poetic justice, McGregor uses Peter’s jacket to adorn a new scarecrow. Finally at home, Peter is punished for his mischief by being sent to bed without his supper.
Shows are Sunday at 3 and 5 p.m. at Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard. Tickets are $5, through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com) and at the door.
For this production, Ballet Spokane is partnering with Page Ahead, an organization that provides books to high-risk children. Patrons are encouraged to bring a new children’s book to donate and receive one dollar off the ticket price.
Ballet Spokane has canceled its previously announced spring showcase finale, “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Theatre Ballet
Theatre Ballet of Spokane celebrates its 10th anniversary of introducing area children to the world of dance with a public performance of “Fete de Ballet” on Saturday.
With grants from the Welty Foundation, Ballet Theatre has performed in area elementary schools to more than 10,000 children during the past decade. This year its outreach includes schools in Cheney and Spokane Valley as well as Spokane.
The multifaceted “Fete de Ballet” features glimpses into a variety of ballet styles.
“Carnival of the Animals” presents children of various ages dancing animal roles.
In a different vein, Sara Donally’s new work, “Degas,” merges the arts of painting and ballet. Choreographed to the music of Bizet, this piece brings the paintings of the famous French impressionist to life.
The first movement of “Shadows and Light,” created by artistic director Dodie Askegard, completes the show by contrasting classical ballet with contemporary dance styles.
Saturday’s program begins at 3 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. It runs one hour and includes Askegard’s brief explanation of each selection.
Tickets are $5, through Ballet Arts Academy (509-838-5705) or at the door.