Free ballet celebrates spring

Orange County Ballet to dance on April 22 Central Valley — The Orange County Ballet Theatre’s annual spring performance is scheduled for Sunday, April 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Monroe-Woodbury High School. It will feature members of the junior and senior companies ranging in age from 12 to 18 years. Admission is free. The theater’s Board of Directors requests that those attending bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to local churches for distribution to the needy. Orange County Ballet Theatre is a non-profit institution that will celebrate 40 years of continuous performances under three artistic directorships this coming December. For the spring performance, Carol Purcell will restage “Paquita,” a ballet set in Spain during the Napoleonic era that was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa with music by A.L. Minkus. Chris DiBiase will appear in “Paquita” along with the Orange County Ballet Theatre dancers. Alicia Lovely will present “The Glade,” with music by Guiseppe Verdi. Matthew Winnegge will appear as guest dancer. Those planning to attend are asked to obtain their complimentary tickets in advance by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope by April 10 to: Orange County Ballet Theatre, P.O.Box 3051, Newburgh, NY 12550. Tickets may also be picked up at Broadway Dance Arts; they will be available at the Monroe-Woodbury High School Theater one hour prior to the performance. For information, call 562-6750 after 3:30 p.m.