TACKLING THE CLASSICS: Scenes from “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty” are “tutu ballets” on the program at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Harald Schrader)

Classic Beauty: An All-Tchaikovsky program featuring excerpts from Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, will be danced by American Repertory Ballet (ARB) at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, March 8-10.

“I have steadily watched every individual dancer continue to evolve and elevate their ballet technique, while simultaneously finding further texture and depth in their interpretation of iconic roles in the classical idiom,” said Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel. “This program offers both the ARB dancers and audiences a chance to enjoy renowned music and today’s classical ballet, with a skillful approach and truly expressive characterizations.”

Swan Lake Act II was staged by former American Ballet Theatre dancer Harriet Clark. “The role of Odette, the Swan Queen, is probably the most challenging role for any ballerina, as it demands a full display of both feminine strength and resilience,” she said. The Sleeping Beauty Act III showcases the grand wedding of Princess Aurora and her Prince complete with a cast of such colorful characters as Puss-in-Boots and Little Red Riding Hood.

Performances are March 8 at 7 p.m., March 9 at 2 and 7 p.m., and March 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets starting at $25 can be purchased at arballet.org or (732) 249-1254. On March 9 at 6:15 p.m., there will also be a free pre-show artist interview with Gillian Murphy, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and ARB artistic associate. Murphy will be discussing her thoughts on the classic roles of Odette and Aurora, both of which she has performed for many years.