Greater Niagara Ballet Company auditioning for spring show

The Greater Niagara Ballet Company will hold auditions for its spring performance, “Scenes of Spring,” on Sunday, March 13. Auditions begin at 10 a.m. for dancers ages 7-11, and 11 a.m. for dancers ages 12 to adult. More information about auditions can be found at greaterniagaraballetcompany.org.

“Scenes of Spring” features several family-friendly short ballets that radiate the warm ambiance of spring. “Peter and the Wolf,” a narrated symphonic fairy tale for children with music composed by Sergei Prokofiev, tells the story of a young carefree boy named Peter who cannot help but go out into the meadow on a lovely day. He is joined by his friend, the graceful Bird, along with a silly Duck, and a prowling Cat. After a while, a hungry and dangerous Wolf arrives in their midst. Although a rather large and inept hunting party has been pursuing the Wolf the entire time, it is ultimately Peter (with a little help from his animal friends) who outwits and captures the Wolf.

“Degas,” with music composed by Gabriel Urbain Faure (Dolly Opus 56), is inspired by the famous Edgar Degas painting “The Dancing Class.” A beautiful scene unfolds when ballet dancers from the Paris Opera gather for dance class with a famed choreographer. Artistry, music, Impressionism and Parisian dance merge to create this lighthearted and masterful ballet.

“Pas de Trois,” with music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is a dance from Act I of “Swan Lake.” It centers on the festivities on the eve of Prince Siegfried’s birthday. “Pas de Trois” features guest dancer Dominic Giambra, as well as artistic directors Mary Schnepf and Molly Vine.

Two performances are scheduled of “Scenes of Spring” on May 20. There will be an on-school-time performance at 10 a.m. for local school children, and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Both shows will take place at the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center, 4455 Porter Road, Niagara Falls.

Discounted tickets are available for school groups for the morning performance. For additional information, or to reserve tickets, call or text 716-713-9735. Tickets for the evening performance can soon be purchased online at greaterniagaraballetcompany.org and will also be available at the door.