Lepidoptera, an original local ballet which was first performed in San Antonio in 1995, returns to the stage at the McAllister Auditorium as it celebrates the San Antonio Tri-Centennial. Lepidoptera will be performed as part of Alamo City Performing Arts Association (ACPAA)’s 10th annual North Side Arts Festival. Under the direction of Scott Conway, the original choreographer for the production, Lepidoptera will feature dancers from the Alamo City Dance Co. as well as students of the San Antonio School for the Performing Arts.  

The ballet is based on the children’s book "The Butterfly Who Became A Cocoon" by Nancy Grossenbacher. Both the book and ballet are set in a garden of over-sized flowers which dwarf the characters as they dance to the music of Tchaikovsky. This colorful, comical, and touching performance depicts the life of Oliver the Butterfly who experiences self-doubt and questions the purpose of his life after Cornelius the Ant criticizes him for being different from all the other garden creatures. The ballet moves quickly, making it ideal for even the youngest audience members, and the unique use of Tchaikovsky's music to bring the characters to life will appeal to patrons of classical music as well as introduce the composer to audience members of all ages.  

Along with Lepidoptera, the Alamo City Dance Company will showcase their skills in a tribute to Texas with an abstract piece representing the six flags that have flown over Texas. In total the performance will be two hours including an intermission. The North Side Arts Festival will also have local artists showcasing their work with awards given to best in category. Select artists will be there to promote and sell their creations and a silent auction will be held during the event to benefit Eva’s Heroes. Details on an accompanying art contest are available online.