Personal Ballet

Gallic dancer/choreographer Marie-Jose Payannet of Danse Etoile Ballet proves that egalitarianism is a French notion. Her concept behind the Broomfield-based troupe’s performances this weekend at the Dairy Center for the Arts is to show off a little of everything ballet is and can be, from elegantly classical to thoroughly modern. But the ensemble’s showpiece and the entire second half of the show will be an original take on The Triplettes of Belleville, based on the wry animated film of the same name, which tells the story of an obsessive bicyclist, his attentive mother and her dog, Bruno, and how they are aided by an eccentric trio of aged ’20s-era showgirls.

“I’ve always loved the movie and thought the music was absolutely fabulous,” says Payannet of the new and challenging work. “It’s also appropriate for a small cabaret-type setting, and we have the right kind of dancers. They are both good dancers and good actors.” By balancing a traditional pas de trois, a dance based on the late French singer Barbara’s famous rendition of “L’Aigle Noir (Black Eagle)" and a jazzy contemporary piece, Payannet promises a family-friendly program that’s exciting, fun and boosted over the top by the inclusion of live music. “It’s a lively show that has a lot of variety for everyone to enjoy a taste of what dance is all about, for a small ticket price.”

That would be $10 to $19; to reserve yours, visit www.thedairy.org or call 303-444-SEAT. The Dairy Center is at 2590 Walnut Street in Boulder. For more information, go to www.danseetoile.org.
Fri., March 6, 7 p.m.; Sat., March 7, 4 p.m.; Sun., March 8, 2 p.m., 2009