Tri-town ballet dancers will be among those performing in the New Bedford Ballet's performance of "Sleeping Beauty," to the Zeiterion Theatre stage in New Bedford on June 9.

The performances will be held at at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m..  Set to Tchaikovsky’s score and the choreography of artistic director Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, along with ballet instructor Eugenia Zinovieva, dancers of all ages will perform an interpretation of good vs. evil and the redemption of true love.

The ballet tells the tale of Princess Aurora, who on her sixteenth birthday accidentally pricks her finger, unlocking an evil curse.  However, the Lilac Fairy casts a spell of her own, so that Aurora will not die, but instead fall into a deep, hundred-year sleep—that is until a young prince breaks the curse with his kiss.

Based on the story written by Charles Perrault and later made famous by the Brothers Grimm, "Sleeping Beauty" was originally premiered as a ballet in 1890 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

New Bedford Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by Riccardi's Italian Restaurant and Southeastern Development Co., LLC.  Reserved tickets are $22, and general admission prices are $17 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and children.  Special group rates are available for non-profit organizations.  Tickets can be purchased by contacting New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387.

Since 1987, the non-profit New Bedford Ballet has continued its mission of bringing the performing arts to our community.  To learn more about New Bedford Ballet, including child and adult classes and community programs, visit their website at www.newbedfordballet.org.