Coppélia

Coppélia is the story of toymaker Dr. Coppelius, who creates a life-like doll and tries to bring her to life. Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this delightful tale presents a budding romance between two villagers, Franz and Swanilda, alongside the curious workings of their eccentric neighbor. Dr. Coppelius, a mad inventor who has taken to creating life-like automatons, believes that he has actually managed to give life to one of his creations, but it turns out that he has become embroiled in something else.

Coppélia, considered one of the greatest comic ballets of the 19th Century, has remained a well-loved classical work in the ballet repertory. Originally choreographed by Arthur St. Léon in 1870, restaged by Petipa in 1884, and revised by Cecchetti in 1894, it has been performed regularly since then. None of St. Léon’s original choreography remains in today’s productions, and although Acts I and II have retained his ideas and story, the nature of some of the roles has changed.

Proudly presented by De La Dance Company, love triumphs over all in this comedy of mistaken identity, and the finale is a breathtaking celebration of the lovers' marriage.