TO CELEBRATE the centenary of famous choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton, Birmingham Royal Ballet perform a short season of his ballets at the Hippodrome Theatre.

From Wednesday, June 9, until Saturday, June 12, they will present a double bill which shows the scope and variety of his choreography.

The Two Pigeons is a romantic gentle tale of love, temptation and forgiveness, described as "traditional ballet at its best", while Dante Sonata, written during the Second World War, uses dance as a voice exploring the battle between good and evil.

The Two Pigeons is based on a fable by La Fontaine, which tells the story of a young artist and his girlfriend. He is tempted to stray when he falls for the charms of a beautiful gypsy girl.

In contrast, Dante Sonata is a powerful ballet danced to a score by Franz Liszt, inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. The piece depicts the tense battle between fragile innocence and desperate evil represented by the children of the light and the children of darkness.

Birmingham Royal Ballet then bring the celebrations to a close with the popular La Fille Mal Gardee, performed from Wednesday, June 16, until Saturday, June 19.

The ballet, described as a "captivating romantic comedy" showcases Ashton's versatility. Set on a farm, it tells the story of Lise, daughter of Widow Simone who is determined to see her married to a wealthy landowner's son. Lise has other plans, however, she is in love with local farm lad Colas and the two eventually outwit the old women in order to be married.

Tickets, priced £11-£40, are available from the box office on 0870 730 1234 or online at

www.birminghamhippodrome.com.