Ballet Ensemble of Texas returns to the Irving Arts Center next month to present "Gaite Parisienne" and other ballets, including a premiere by company choreographer Darrell Cleveland.  Performances are Saturday, February 27th 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 28th 2:30 p.m.  Ticket prices are $21.00 for Adults and $16.00 for all students and seniors, and can be purchased by calling their box office @ (972) 252-ARTS or online at www.irvingartscenter.com

This is a great program for the whole family.

Choreographed by Susan Trevino, "Gaite Parisienne" is a tale of the night-life of old nineteenth-century Paris, taking place in the most popular room of a fashionable Parisian restaurant. It was a time when love was brief and casual, but intense, and when the day began at nine o'clock in the evening. The characters: The Flower Girl, The Mysterious Lady in Red, The Opera Star, The Austrian Baron, The Old General, The Dandy, Can Can Girls and Waiters and Waitresses, all weave a tale of fun and intrigue. Flirtations grow into arguments, and arguments begin a fight, which develops into a general brawl. The Baron and General battle for the affections of The Opera Star, and finally love is restored to all with the true partner. The happy ending carries good spirits long into the night!

Company choreographer Darrell Cleveland will premiere his new ballet, "Flashpoint" at the upcoming Ballet Ensemble of Texas performances.  A section of this ballet was recently awarded the top choreography prize at the recent "Pulse" convention by such noted judges as Mia Michaels and Wade Robson. 

The Ballet Ensemble of Texas will perform for the first time the charming ballet from the 19th century, "La Vivandiere Pas de Six".  This ballet is in the repertoires of such well known companies as the Joffrey Ballet, and consists of challenging variations in the Bournonville style.  It was staged for the Ballet Ensemble by the director of the Interlochen Performing Arts School, Cameron Basden.

Ballet Ensemble of Texas will perform the stunning neo-classical ballet, "Capriccios", choreographed by former Joffrey Ballet principal dancer Trinette Singleton.  Set to the beautiful music of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto # 2, the company recently performed a section of the ballet at the opening ceremonies of the new Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas.  They will also perform this ballet at the Youth Dance Festival in Ft. Worth on Saturday, January 30th. 

The GOAL of the Ballet Academy of Texas is to provide quality, professional dance instruction for all ages.  The primary focus is on classical ballet technique which provides a strong foundation for all other dance forms.  Our goal for the recreational dancer is to gain self-confidence through the physical and mental accomplishments that come from positive dance instruction.  The professional background of the directors and staff will provide the more serious student with the knowledge and training necessary to prepare for a career in dance.  The school was awarded the OUTSTANDING SCHOOL award for the Southwest area at the Youth America Grand Prix, an International Ballet Competition, in 2005,2006, and 2007.

The Ballet Academy of Texas opened a new, state-of-the-art 11,000 sq. ft. facility in October, 2005.  It consists of four large studios, all with sprung marley flooring, viewing areas into all the studios, and two large waiting areas. It is conveniently located in the center of Coppell near the corner of Sandy Lake Rd. and Denton Tap Rd., just south of I-121.