La Fille mal Gardee

The Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year by performing ''The Best of La Fille mal Gardee'' as well as a Class Concert in tradition of the Paris Opera Ballet, the Kirov, and various other world class companies to celebrate. ''La Fille mal Gardee'' is the oldest classical ballet still being performed and was adapted in 1960 by Sir Frederick Ashton for the Royal Ballet in London. It is a fun, comedic ballet about common people, their trials and tribulations, and the troubles and love associated with country life. International dancer, instructor, and choreographer Michelle Jones Wurtz has staged the work set to the music adapted for Ashton by John Lanchberry. The Pennsylvania Ballet Company will be performing this fun and charming work this season as well.

In keeping with tradition, the dancers will also be performing a Class Concert choreographed by former Kirov principal dancers Andrei Ustinov and Elena Martinson. The works showcase the many talents that SVRDC has in both its young dancers and more experienced; and Ms. Wurtz herself will be performing in various sections throughout the work. Dancers range in age from seven to fifty-plus.

Performances will be held at the Hill School Center for the Arts at Beech and Sheridan Streets in Pottstown on Saturday April 9 at 7:30pm, and on Sunday April 10 at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (age sixty and up) and 20% off for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at Pack-n-Ship in the Coventry Square Shopping Center, All That Jazz (dance attire) in Collegeville, JD Sport, at the Pottstown Dance Theatre on Saturday afternoons, the Gallery on High, online at www.svrdc.org, and at the box office upon arrival. For more information and to inquire about group rates, call the Company at 484-941