PORTLAND — Maine State Ballet will present the ultimate classical ballet, “Swan Lake,” at Merrill Auditorium this spring.

Matinee shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1.

The presentation of Tchaikovsky’s first ballet, which premiered in Russia 135 years ago, showcases the talents of 85 advanced students and professional dancers of the Maine State Ballet Company.

Among the dancers are Clare Kramer of Lewiston; Madeline Walker-Elders, Lisbon Falls; Stephanie Paradis, Litchfield; Zoe Ward, Lovell; Calvin Soule, Poland; and Ron Trell, Brunswick.

The sets and costumes, including a 40-foot-tall backdrop and 21 white swan tutus, are the work of designer Gail Csoboth. It is the largest production staged by a ballet company in Maine, said Maine State Ballet Director Linda MacArthur Miele.

“’Swan Lake’ is really the pinnacle of what you want to accomplish as a company,” said Miele, who performed the ballet many times with the New York City Ballet. For the spring show, Miele incorporated much of the traditional choreography that has been passed down through generations of dancers, plus some of her original choreography.

“Everybody who has an interest in ballet should be able to see ‘Swan Lake,’” Miele said.

“Swan Lake” tells the story of Princess Odette, who has been transformed into a swan by the sorcerer von Rothbart. Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette in a moment by the lake when she temporarily regains her human form. A battle ensues between the prince and evil magician.

While many variations of “Swan Lake” end in tragedy, Miele chooses to model a Russian version of the ballet that has a happily-ever-after ending.

The show is appropriate for all ages and level of interest in dance, Miele said. It will be presented in two acts with one intermission and a running time of about two hours.

For tickets, $20-40, call 842-0800, visit thePorttix box office at Merrill Auditorium between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday or log on to  tickets.porttix.com. For more information, call 781-7672 or visit www.mainestateballet.org.