Audiences have enjoyed the ballet of Coppelia since 1870 when it was first choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon for the Paris Opera. Now, Sundance Ballet Company’s Artistic Director, Carrie Badeaux takes on the ballet. Coppélia premiers at the Eureka High Auditorium with a full cast of Sundance Ballet Company dancers and Dance Scene Studio students.
Based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffman, Coppélia. is a young couple, Swanilda and Franz, are going to be married, but Franz spots a lovely young lady up in Dr. Coppelius’s balcony. Swanilda catches Franz blowing kisses at the girl on the balcony and havoc breaks loose. Children will laugh at Dr. Coppelius, the town’s mysterious citizen who dabbles in alchemy and magic. The adorable mechanical dolls will delight, and all are entertained by the wedding in the finale.
Syona González is a vivacious Swanilda, Stuart Cataldo plays the comedy of the piece well as Dr. Coppélius, and Ruby Reid is a bouncy Coppelia.
The workshop becomes Coppélia’s playground as she dances, bobbles, and wobbles. Mariana Hill is a sweet, effervescent Dawn, and Katie Kitchen is a serene, almost wistful Prayer. Dance of the Hours is enchanting, characterized by well-formed synchronization, dainty pointe work and sweeping port de bras.
The wedding features Syona González and Chris Brant’s lovely pas de deux. Brant gracefully carries and twirls González around the stage, before they each return for dizzying solos. Brant flies high on his own and González shows off some beautiful lines in the process.
Crisp autumn leaves frame the village tableau set and costumes are lush with swishy and colorful dresses.
The music by Léo Delibes is a joyful trip through varying styles and sounds, from rousing and bombastic to melodic and twinkling. The music of the mazurka and czardas allow for quick feet and is the perfect soundtrack for dolls coming to life.
Coppélia reminds you of being a kid, where the atmosphere is bright and absolutely full of wonder. See Coppélia and treat your inner child.