The Ballet Theatre of Annapolis will present a widely eclectic program of dance at Maryland Hall this week.

BTA has described its spring production, which includes a variety of dance from classical to abstract contemporary, as "mixed repertoire."

Two new works will have their premieres. "The Crown Jewel" choreographed by BTA's artistic director Edward Stewart in memory of his mother, Alice, who died last March, is a non-narrative tribute to the person who strongly supported Stewart's early interest in dance.

Anton Wilson, who has performed with BTA since 1979 and who also dances with The Works, a modern dance company based in New York, choreographed the other new work. His piece called "Seep" is based on Emily Dickinson's poem "Almost." Wilson describes his work as "abstract, surrealistic and non-narrative" in conveying feelings.

In addition to these new works, Ballet Theatre of Annapolis also will present the Black Swan pas de deux from the classical ballet, Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." Perhaps the world's most familiar ballet, "Swan Lake" is a requirement for any principal ballerina, with the Black Swan the most revered duet in ballet.

Dancing Odille, the black swan, will be Zhirui Zou, a principal dancer with the National Ballet of China and guest artist in residence with the BTA. She has received praise from the Chinese press for her performance in the role of Odille. Prince Siegfried will be danced by former Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Dmitry Tuboltsev, BTA's principal male dancer.

After intermission, a ballet form of Bizet's opera "Carmen," will be danced in three scenes. Choreographed by Edward Stewart, the gypsy girl will lose none of her passion or fire as she is pursued by her three lovers -- Escamillo, Lieutenant Zuniga and Don Jose. Carmen will be danced by Natasha Kiryanova. Tuboltsev will dance the part of Don Jose, Aram Manukyan will be seen as Lieutenant Zuniga, and Jeffrey Watson as Escamillo.

The ballet version of "Carmen" became a sensation when in 1949 Roland Petit of the Ballet de Paris choreographed it for Zizi Jeanmaire, who later became his wife.

Ballet Theatre of Annapolis will present its next production at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Maryland Hall. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for children.

Information and reservations: 410-263-2909.

Pub Date: 3/04/99