When a handsome prince falls in love...

When a handsome prince falls in love with a beautiful princess after both are captured by the evil demon Katschei, the prince calls upon his magic feather for help. The colorful feather was a gift from Firebird, a popular legendary creature in Russian fairy tales who possesses magic powers.

A ballet telling the story of Firebird has been reinterpreted for children and will be performed by the South Bay Ballet Company today and Monday at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

“Few American kids know about Firebird,” said Diane Lauridsen, artistic director for the 25-member ballet company. “We try to make it colorful, inexpensive and give the kids a wiggle break.”

The ballet, featuring music by Igor Stravinsky, is performed by adult dancers from the South Bay Ballet Company as well as children. James Armstrong, former mayor of Torrance, will narrate the story.

“The production is great,” Armstrong said. “I do a brief narrative . . . a line or two to steer the kids along the way. The kids are doing a magnificent job. They love what they’re doing. It’s fun for them, and that’s what makes it fun for the audience.”

At 4:30 p.m. today and Monday, children ages 4 to 12 may participate in special dance workshops and learn steps taught by professional choreographers and artists from the dance company.

“Firebird” will be performed today and Monday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for performances and $1 for the dance workshops.