A Reading-based ballet company is taking a stand--en pointe--against bullying.

The Northeast Youth Ballet (NYB) is one of the newest fixtures of Reading's cultural scene, having relocated its studio to the town this past summer. Artistic Director Denise Cecere, who danced formerly with Boston Ballet, is leading the company's fourth collaboration with venerable new music ensemble Boston Musica Viva in the creation of original ballets for family audiences.

This year's colloboration on Feb. 10 celebrates the 20th anniversary of Boston Musica Viva's Annual Family Concert series. For the occasion the ensemble commissioned area composer Samuel Headrick to write a new ballet about bullying.

In "The New Kid," a young girl encounters bullies at her new school. “As a father, I am especially excited by the opportunity to use my music to address an issue that affects so many young people. I hope that by seeing this ballet, kids will be inspired to think about the impact of their actions and to seek help for themselves or their friends,” says Headrick. Recent studies show that 1 in 4 teens and children is a victim of peer bullying. "The New Kid" is commissioned by Boston Musica Viva with the support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

The program also includes a revival of Ma Goose, a playful reimagining of Mother Goose nursery rhymes by Bernard Hoffer, composer of the cartoon series ThunderCats. New England Cable News anchor Steve Aveson narrates both works.

Over 25 middle- and high-school dancers will perform in the concert. For more information on the Northeast Youth Ballet, visit www.northeastyouthballet.org.

For tickets to the 20th Annual Family Concert (Feb. 10, 3pm at the Tsai Performance Center in Boston), visit www.bmv.org or call (617) 354-6910. The concert is recommended for ages 4 and older.