Outstanding local company captures the magic of Coppélia

Be sure to catch Duchy Ballet’s enchanting adaptation of Coppélia at Hall for Cornwall from 2nd to 4th April.

A jewel of the traditional ballet repertoire, Delibes’ is a romantic comedy to lift your spirits and charm your heart. Originally performed during the 1870 siege of Paris, it was funny enough to take the Parisians minds off their diet of rats!

Franz is fascinated by Dr. Coppelius’s daughter Coppélia - all she does is sit on her balcony reading a book and nobody is allowed to enter the house….. His girlfriend, Swanilda, is annoyed when Coppélia ignores her, and then has the cheek to blow a kiss at Franz! Curious, the couple decide to investigate when Dr. Coppelius is out. The result is full of happy surprises – what is Coppélia’s secret?

Composed by Leo Delibes, the ballet is stuffed full of evocative, well known melodies and charming Polish and Hungarian folk dances. Dr Coppelius is an eccentric toy maker, so the dancers playing his crazy creations have ample opportunity for some exciting and amusing dances. Artistic Director, Kay Jones is full of enthusiasm:

“‘Coppélia’ is a lovely ballet which gives dancers the opportunity to act and make the audience laugh. The breadth of dance is considerable too – from classical ballet to different National dances. The solo roles, choreographed for adults, require real stamina in young dancers – I am really proud of the way they have risen to the challenge.”

Swanilda will be danced by Robyn Green, Naomi Solomon and Bryony Walker, who have progressed to soloist level in their eight years with Duchy Ballet.

Franz is danced by Daisuke Miura whose first steps on stage were in Duchy Ballet’s 1991 production of ‘Coppélia’. A rising star, Miura is lead artist for Independent Ballet Wales and a guest artist for Ballet Swansea; previously he was a soloist for Slovenia National Ballet. Originally from Japan, he now lives in the UK.

Duchy Ballet is Cornwall’s leading youth Ballet Company. Every year up to a hundred young dancers from all over Cornwall and from dance schools in the region have the amazing chance to star in a spectacular ballet at the Hall for Cornwall. They perform with senior associates from the Royal Ballet School and leading international dancers.

The results are so professional that a London ballet critic was heard to say of last year’s performance: ‘Within moments I had forgotten I was watching children – a thoroughly professional and delightful performance’.

Book now and see this exceptional production and what could well be some of the top ballet stars of the future.

The performances start at 7.30 with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are £16.50, £14.50 and children’s tickets (under 16s) £11.50. Family Packs (4 people, min 2 children) are £48, £43. A Theatre Fund payment is added to each ticket sold. Call the Box Office on 01872 262466 or book online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk.

Duchy Ballet would like to thank sponsors Coodes Solicitors and Rowes Honda for their generous help enabling the Company to cover costs and invest in choreography. The Company would also like to thank all the Friends of Duchy Ballet for their support

Hall for Cornwall is a charity promoting the arts & education and gratefully thanks the following stakeholders for their on-going support.