By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Grebel Center for Dance and the Alabama Youth Ballet is performing a tribute to composer George Gershwin and choreographer George Balanchine at Pelham High School May 21.

According to executive director Deborah Grebel, Grebel Goes Gershwin is a way to showcase all current dance students to the community.

“It’s a tribute to George Gershwin and choreographer George Balanchine,” she said. “We just like the different format. It’s more contemporary ballet. We just wanted to do it again. The music is beautiful.”

This isn’t the first time Grebel Dance has hosted a Gershwin-themed event, Grebel said, although the last time was in 2012.

By adding a jazz piece and a lyrical piece to the show, Grebel said this Grebel Goes Gershwin show will be more varied.  Jordan Burke choreographed the jazz portion, and Amanda Willis-Brice instructed the lyrical dancers.

All other choreography was done by Steven and Deborah Grebel.

“(The students) are having a lot more rehearsals and getting busy,” Grebel said. “So are our teachers and choreographers.”

The show will take place Saturday, May 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online for Tututix.com/GrebelDance. All seats are reserved.

The Ballet Boutique will also be set up in the lobby, for memorabilia, gifts and flowers.

“(My favorite part is) giving them the opportunity to perform, and for their friends to come see them and for their family to come see them,” Grebel said of the recital. “It’s for everyone. It’s just entertaining and adds artist value for the community.”

For more information, call 987-7234 or visit Grebeldance.com or Alabamayouthballet.info.