The facts: Eastern Connecticut Ballet gives the debut performance of "Ballerina Swan" Sunday at the Garde Arts Center.

The creators: Gloria Govrin, who is ECB's artistic director, choreographed "Ballerina Swan," based on Allegra Kent's children's book of the same name. Both Govrin and Kent were dancers with the New York City Ballet under the auspices of the legendary George Balanchine.

The story: Sophie is a swan - but, when she wanders into a ballet studio, she realizes that she longs to be dancer. She is shooed out of the studio but can't stay away. She wants nothing more than to perform as part of "Swan Lake."

The addendum: In addition to "Ballerina Swan," ECB will perform its "Carnival of the Animals," choreographed by Govrin and inspired by Saint-Saën's famous music.

The author: After Sunday's performance, Kent will sign copies of her book at the Garde. Cast members will also mingle with the public during a free old-fashioned ice cream social. (The illustrator of the "Ballerina Swan" book, by the way, is Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully.)

- KRISTINA DORSEY

Eastern Connecticut Ballet's "Ballerina Swan," 2 p.m. Sunday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $26-$36 ($16-$20 kids 12 and under); (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.