LEWISTON — Charm and delicate grace will share the stage with ferocity, fantasy and digital dexterity when the Chinese Folk Art Ensemble of Boston performs Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

The 30-member troupe of Chinese-American youths, ages 12 to 17, will present a 90-minute choreographed show enhanced by an array of authentic Chinese costumes and rhythm instruments. The program draws on a repertoire of folk dances such as the gentle “Umbrella Dance” and the joyous “Ribbon Dance,” performed by the girls in the group.

The powerful “Lion Dance,” in contrast, incorporates kung fu skills and is driven by the rhythmic beating of drums and clashing of cymbals at the hands of the boys in the ensemble.

The popular “Dragon Dance” demands extraordinary teamwork, physical coordination and timing in order to execute the intricate undulations of the mighty serpent, which fills the stage.

Members of the group founded in 1998 will also demonstrate their talents on the diabolo, or Chinese yoyo, as they perform synchronized routines with spinning toys tossed up to 30 feet in the air.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are invited to an opening reception, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for a photo exhibit titled “Taiwan Sublime,” a collection of images capturing the culture and landscapes of the island off the southeastern coast of mainland China.

Tickets are $15, $13 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for children 12 and younger. Call 689-2000 or visit www.francoamericanheritage.org. The Franco center is at 46 Cedar St.

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