You wouldn't expect to see hockey in a ballet performance, but that's exactly what the North Dakota Ballet Company is bringing to the Empire Arts Center stage at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Maneuvering hockey sticks in the second half of the show, dancers will perform "The Skaters Ballet" on a simulated frozen pond, adding local flavor to the ballet that was choreographed by former Royal Winnipeg Ballet soloist Emily Grizzell.
"It's kind of a unique twist on a really classic show," said Laura Arneson, the company's artistic director. "There are some comical moments, like kids in their first skating lessons."
The first half of the performance is "an old-fashioned, Lawrence Welk-type variety show" with a blend of holiday favorites and comedic scenes performed by local actors and musical numbers by Maura and Mairi Ferguson, Arneson said.
"This unique ballet is enjoyable for all ages and has a great variety of all dance styles."
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About 75 local artists are involved in the show, including dancers from the North Dakota Ballet Academy, pre-professional dance company and Elite Dance Crew.
Tickets, $15 for adults and $12 for students, are available at the Empire Arts Center box office, 415 DeMers Ave.; call (701) 746-5500, or go online at www.empireartscenter.com .
