Portsmouth's original circus arts program will present its season finale, Through the Pages, on June 9 at 7:30 p.m. and June 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

The shows feature more than 200 area children and teenagers in full costume and props performing a show representing the culmination of their year's work.

The Cirque d'Art, which has dramatically increased participation since its inception in 2001, will showcase local talents in three shows at Portsmouth West Elementary School.

Through the Pages is created and produced by Pegi Wilkes, Cirque Director, and Trisha Schmidt, Assistant Director, and will include students ranging in age from 2 to 󈬢-something.”  Vignettes highlight classic favorites including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and favorite nursery rhymes while participants dance, swing, hang, climb, tumble and spin.

“The show will be beautiful and so worth seeing,” said Miss Pegi, as she is known to the children. “It's amazing to me the extended effort the Cirque d'Art represents on the part of the children, their parents, and our assistant instructors. The commitment to hold a program like this in our community has been huge for everyone who is training with us.”

Admission to the performance is $3 for children and seniors, and $4 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased at the Southern Ohio Museum at 825 Gallia St., or at the door before the performances.

Performers will demonstrate their skills in dance, including ballet, modern and interpretive dance and tap dancing.

Nearly 40 children will be performing a River Dance style Celtic number.

Other acts feature aerial circus art including trapeze, hoops, rings, web, the cloud swing and ladder.

A new piece of circus equipment, the aerial star, will debut at the performance.