Maine State Ballet’s “Britten.”  Contributed photo

Maine State Ballet will present the elegance of “Britten” and the joyous nostalgia of “Western Roundup” in several performances beginning on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Maine State Ballet’s Lopez Theater in Falmouth.

“Britten” is a neo-classical ballet based on Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony.” Renowned for its engaging melodies and inventive use of themes he originally composed as a child, this work is in the tradition of George Balanchine’s storyless ballets where musicality, line, and inventive dance patterns reign.

“Western Roundup” is a cheerful and nostalgic ballet that invites the wrangler, buckaroo, and range rider in all of us to step back in time. Set to the beloved tunes of Arthur Fiedler’s “Pops Roundup,” this performance captures the spirit of Americana. Featuring popular traditional songs such as “Home on the Range,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” and “Shenandoah,” “Western Roundup” evokes a simpler, more optimistic era, bringing the open plains and rugged landscapes of the American West to the stage.

Both ballets are choreographed by Artistic Director and New York City Ballet alumna Linda MacArthur Miele.

Performance Schedule

Dates: Oct. 12-19 (two weekends)

Venue: Lopez Theater

Performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12; at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18; and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Tickets are $21-29 with discounts for seniors & children and are available at mainestateballet.org or by calling 207-781-3587.

Maine State Ballet is a non-profit based in Falmouth. Its mission is to uplift the Maine community through inspiring dance education and performance. Maine State Ballet houses the Maine State Ballet Company, the 140-seat Lopez Theater, and its School for the Performing Arts, with over 100 years of dance instruction in ballet, tap, and jazz.