Ballerina by Degas tells the story of a young dancer and her rise within the Paris Opera. A mini-performance and tea party will be held on Feb. 23rd at Pinnacle Performing Arts Center and Feb. 24th at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre.

Ballerina by Degas tells the story of a young dancer, Simone, her rapid rise within the ballet company and the Impressionist artist, Degas, who records it all. Dappled with jealousies and rivalries, under the watchful eyes of their mothers, the young dancers vie for position at the barre and in the company. Performed to the music of George Bizet, Gabriel Faure and Adolphe Adam, three acclaimed composers of the day, Simone’s hard work and commitment quickly propel her from neophyte to etoile (lead dancer).

Two mini-performances, telling the story of the young Simone in the Paris Opera school just for young audiences, will be presented on February 23rd at the Pinnacle Performing Arts Center, 1001 W. 84th Avenue, Denver, CO 80260 and on February 24th at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205. The curtain will rise on these matinee performances at 3:00 p.m. Following each mini-performance will be a Little Ballerina Tea Party where children and their parents can enjoy delicious refreshments with Ballet Ariel company members still in costume.

Tickets for the mini-performances at the Pinnacle Performing Arts Center and Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets to the ballet with the Little Ballerina Tea Party are $25 for adults and $20 for children. For information on purchasing these tickets visit www.balletariel.org or call (303) 945-4388.