Kilgore sisters take to the stage in "Sleeping Beauty"

The Longview Ballet Theater and seven professional dancers from New York and Miami will bring the romantic fairy tale, "Sleeping Beauty," to the Belcher Performing Arts Center on the campus of LeTourneau University in Longview for two performances this weekend.a

The Longview Ballet Theater features dancers from age five through 18 under the direction of Pat George Mitchell who will also be the artistic director for "Sleeping Beauty".

Two Kilgore dancers will be performing, Alexis and Colby Johnston are both members of the Longview Ballet Theater. Alexis is a freshman at Kilgore High School and Colby attends Maude Laird Middle School.

Alexis has attended ballet schools with the American Ballet Theater and School of American Ballet in New York City as well as the Boston Ballet and this summer will be dancing with the San Francisco Ballet.

Alexis and Colby are both senior company members with the Longview Ballet Theater. Alexis has been dancing for nine years and Colby for seven.

In this production of "Sleeping Beauty," Alexis will perform the part of the Lilac Fairy, while Colby will be in and out of several costumes as she performs as the Ruby Fairy, Finger Fairy and Wood Fairy.

The girls are the daughters of Tiffany and Bryan Johnston of Kilgo- re.

"Sleeping Beauty" brings to life the story about a young princess, Aurora, cursed by Carabosse, an evil fairy, and the handsome prince who rescues Aurora. This timeless classic features breathtaking Russian Tutus, hand-painted costumes sparkling with crystals, a playful cat, enchanted trees, forest fairies and much more. This is a ballet, which will delight children and adults with its magical setting and glamorous costumes.

There will also be a guest appearance of a Longview Ballet Theater alumnus, Kayla Bartlett from Tyler, who now performs with the Rock Ballet in Pennsylvania. Kayla will be dancing as the Jester.

"We are excited to be performing in the Belcher Center for the first time," said Longview Ballet Theatre's founder and Artistic Director, Pat George Mitchell. "This will be a wonderful experience for the audience, watching the charming story of "Sleeping Beauty" unfold on this superb stage at the Belcher Performing Arts Center."

There wil be only two performances - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and one on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There will be a reception to follow Saturday's performance which will allow the audience to meet the dancers, take photos and get autographs.

Tickets are available online at www.belchercenter.com or by calling the box office at the Belcher Center at 903-233- 3080 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview.