Chattanooga Ballet presents ‘Le Papillon’

As the finale of its 46th year as a performing company, Chattanooga Ballet will present “Le Papillon” (The Butterfly) along with creative new works by guest choreographers Maggie Pelton and Christopher Stuart on Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19. The performances will be held in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.

A family matinee featuring just “Le Papillon” will be performed at 2 p.m on Saturday followed by “Meet the Ballet Stars” for children afterward. Full performances will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Le Papillon,” first presented at the Paris Opera Ballet in 1860, comes to the Chattanooga stage with fresh, new choreography by Chattanooga Ballet Artistic Director Andrew Parker.

In the ballet, evil fairy Hamza captures the ballet’s heroine, Farfalla, and turns her into a butterfly. Love is in the air when

If you go

› What: “Le Papillon”

› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. › When: 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18; 2 p.m Sunday, May 19

› Admission: $12$25

› For more information: 423-2678534 Prince Djalma and Farfalla meet, and Hamza’s evil forces are vanquished. The spirited ballet, with its colorful costumes and lush score by Jacques Offenbach, is ideal for all ages.

Kirsten Hyde and Caroline Blair will dance the role of the butterfly in this weekend’s performances. Hyde will perform in the 2 p.m. matinees; Blair in the Saturday night performance.

The role of Hamza is also double-cast with performers Samantha Sole and Nena Widfeldt. Sole will dance in the 2 p.m. matinees; Widfeldt on Saturday night.

Dillon Davis will dance the role of Prince Djalma.

The New Works portion of the program will highlight bold contemporary dance creations. Chattanooga Ballet will premiere “Illusion de Eden,” choreographed by former Alvin Ailey dancer Maggie Pelton, and “For Then,” a work created by Christopher Stuart, resident choreographer of Nashville Ballet.

“We are so excited to present this beautiful and powerful performance of high-quality ballet to the Chattanooga community,” says Andrew Parker. “Our guest choreographers are top-notch and my new production of ‘Le Papillon’ is rich with nature and tender love.”

For tickets: 423-2678534 or purchase online at http://theatrecentre.com/ current-productions/.

CHATTANOOGA BALLET CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Kirsten Hyde, pictured, and Caroline Blair will dance the lead role of Farfalla, the butterfly.