PORTLAND – An integral part of the international dance scene for more than 30 years, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal is known for its vitality, exploratory spirit and excursions with some of the world’s foremost choreographers.

The dance company will present two works by celebrated choreographers Aszure Barton and Rodrigo Pederneiras at 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Merrill Auditorium.

Steeped in both the classicism of ballet and the dynamism of jazz dance, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal will perform Barton’s “Les Chambres de Jacques,” as well as MAPA, by Pederneiras, choreographer for contemporary dance company Grupo Corpo for more than 30 years.

A preperformance lecture, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Merrill’s Green Room, will feature Sheila Bellefleur, founder and artistic director of the Maine dance company Casco Bay Movers. A choreographer and dancer, Bellefleur will speak about Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal’s founder Eva Von Genesy and her connection to Maine, and provide an overview of the pieces the dance troupe will perform.

The performance is part of PCA Great Performances’ Traverser la Frontière series of events celebrating the historic and cultural ties between Maine and Canada. Tickets are $36, $32 and $27. Tickets may be purchased through PortTix, the box office at Merrill; by calling 842-0800; or at www.pcagreatperformances.org.