BANGOR – Robinson Ballet is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To kick off the party, the company invites the public to an evening of dance exploring the organization’s history through original choreography and beautiful music.

Robinson Ballet currently is rehearsing favorite pieces from the past, recreating them in fresh, innovative and exciting ways. In keeping with past performances, choreographers are creating pieces that will showcase a number of dance styles.

This year’s choreographers include artistic director Maureen Lynch presenting “Can Can,” originally choreographed by ballet founder Ralph Robinson. It is a lighthearted, ribald piece set to selections from Offenbach’s “Gaite Parisienne.”

“Arc En Ciel” is a colorful mixture of classic ballet with infusions of contemporary dance set to Bizet’s Symphony in C.

Artistic director Keith Robinson offers “The Storm” based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” It is a ballet of contradictions where ugliness, beauty, romance and retribution exist in equal measure – and where reality and illusion collide.

Guest choreographer Terry Lacy will present “Orbit,” a ballet set to Vivaldi for eight dancers and four exercise balls. Those who know Lacy’s work know to expect the unexpected. Those who don’t will have their ideas of dance delightfully challenged.

Guest choreographer Stevie Dunham’s modern dance piece, “Exhibit 51,” poses the question, what if aliens actually landed in Area 51? She explores the idea from the alien’s perspective, giving voice to a species commonly depicted as evil monsters. This otherworldly offering is set to the Blueman Group soundtrack.

Special guest artists will be Rebecca Sweet and her dancing partner, Jean-Paul Gronek of the Viva Dance Studio of Cleveland. They will conduct dance workshops on Saturday, May 12.

Viva Dance is Cleveland’s own Latin and ballroom dance studio. Rebecca Sweet, owner of Viva Dance, spent 10 years performing, competing and teaching Latin and ballroom dance in New York City.

For more information on these performers, visit www.vivadancestudio.com.

Robinson Ballet presented shows recently in Ellsworth and will perform at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, at Hauck Auditorium, University of Maine. A dessert auction will be held both nights, and the May 12 performance will be followed by a 30th anniversary slide show and “talk-back” session with the audience.

Tickets are $14, $10 seniors, and $8 students under 18. Tickets may be purchased by calling 989-7226, The Grand at 667-9500, or visiting the Grasshopper Shop in Bangor.

cutline

Dancers Amanda Fahey, Chelsea Andrews, Katie Taylor, Audrey MacLean (with red ball) rehearse for the Robinson Ballet Company’s upcoming production May 11-12 at Hauck Auditorium, Memorial Union, University of Maine. (Photo by Gary J. Soucy)

Robinson Ballet turns 30