"The Sleeping Beauty" classic ballet, represented here by dancer Alexandra Kochis, will kick off the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's 2009-10 season in October.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a season displaying the virtuosity of its dancers in works entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking. Artistic Director Terrence Orr has announced the company's 2009-10 line-up will include five productions.

True love awakens with a kiss when PBT opens its season with "The Sleeping Beauty" with music by Tchaikovsky on Oct. 16 to 18 at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave.

Next, PBT will explore the themes of the Holocaust through the emotional choreography of Stephen Mills with the Pittsburgh premiere of "Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project" from Nov. 12 to 15 at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St.

The tradition of "The Nutcracker" continues Dec. 11 to 27 at the Benedum Center, again with music by Tchaikovsky.

Then legendary choreography of Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp will take center stage from Feb. 12 to 14 at the Benedum Center, when PBT presents "Company B" and "In the Upper Room."

PBT will conclude its season with the most popular of all classical ballets, "Swan Lake" from April 16 to 18 at the Benedum Center.

Subscriptions ranging from $57 to $440 are available. For more information, call 412-281-0360 or visit the Web site, www.pbt.org. Single tickets will be available Sept. 8.

The PBT's free show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Hartwood Acres Amphitheatre.