Ballet in the Park to offer performances of ‘Peter and the Wolf’

This month, Ballet Wichita’s annual ballet in the park series will feature free performances of “Peter and the Wolf” at four area parks.

This marks the 27th year Ballet Wichita has sponsored these free performances. Director of Operations Sandy Wolter said they provide a good introduction to ballet for those unfamiliar with it.

“It’s a way for us to interact really closely with the Wichita community,” Wolter said. “Dancers love to do things in an intimate setting. It removes some of the stigmas of being on stage.”

The 45-minute performance will not only be in Wichita but in three surrounding suburbs. Wolter said Ballet Wichita enjoys taking performances to smaller towns in the area.

“We try to take it to places that may not have as many opportunities for live performances,” Wolter said. “We like to spread throughout the community.”

All the performances are family-friendly and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Here’s where and when the performances will be:

•  Thursday — Main Street Park, 400 N. Main, Mulvane, 7 p.m.

•  Friday — Riggs Park, 700 Sara Lane, Haysville, 7 p.m.

•  Saturday — Wichita’s Old Town Plaza, 353 N. Mead, 11 a.m.

•  June 10 — Central Park, 1607 E. Central, Andover, 3 p.m.