Ah, Coppélia. A ballet so steeped in tradition, yet brimming with life, just like a bottle of champagne waiting to be uncorked. I saw it for the first time when I was barely twelve, the year I joined the school, and the story was like a dream spun from sunshine and candyfloss. Even now, all these years later, the magic persists, and each time I see it, it takes me back to those formative days, the yearning to soar through the air, to tell a story without a single word.
Coppélia isn't about intricate, showy steps, though there are plenty of those, particularly in the celebrated "Mazurka" where the dancers seem to melt into the floor before exploding back into life, like fireworks bursting across a midnight sky. But that's not the heart of it. Coppélia is about innocence and desire, about the yearning for the unknown, and the danger of chasing illusions. It's a timeless story that resonates across the generations, for who amongst us hasn't felt that flutter in our chest when we glimpse someone we think is perfect, someone unattainable?
Léo Delibes' score, it's a symphony of wonder! From the first delicate notes of the "Waltz of the Hours," with its hint of mischievous waltzing fairies, to the grand finale's rousing triumph, Delibes paints a sonic landscape that pulls you in, makes you believe, and leaves you humming long after the curtain falls. The "Dance of the Hours" is pure enchantment. The character dances - the Spanish, the Hungarian, the Neapolitan – they swirl and leap, bringing a touch of the exotic and the whimsical to the stage. You can almost smell the spices, the sun-baked earth, and the cool, moonlit air. And then there's the "Waltz," a love song spun in pure, ethereal sound. Each time the music plays, it conjures an image, a story in my mind, so evocative and beautiful.
Of course, the ballet wouldn't be the same without the characters. Coppélia, the life-sized doll crafted by the eccentric Dr. Coppelius, is more than just an object. She's an embodiment of an idealized woman, an unattainable perfection. Her rigid stance, her porcelain skin, her unflinching gaze - all speak to this idealized notion of beauty.
But it is Swanilda, the vivacious, playful village girl who steals our hearts. A firecracker of a character, she bounces with exuberance, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Her passion for Franz, the handsome young man who falls for Coppélia's allure, fuels the conflict, the comedy, and ultimately, the triumph. The ballet, after all, isn't just about finding true love, but learning to see past the illusions we create and appreciate the beauty and strength within ourselves, and within those closest to us.
And then there is Dr. Coppelius. This character is a puzzle, a shadow cast from the light of the youthful innocence that permeates the ballet. His isolation, his strange inventions, his pursuit of a perfect creation all speak to a desire to control and conquer. He’s the cautionary tale – a reminder that even when we are yearning for beauty, true joy can only be found in genuine connection, in the embrace of humanity.
Over the years, I've seen Coppélia danced by many ballerinas and danseur. Each dancer brings their own interpretation, their own unique flair to the roles, their own story to tell.
Some of my most memorable Coppélias- Sylvie Guillem's Coppélia was ethereal. Her movements were precise yet fluid, almost otherworldly. Her grace seemed to defy gravity. In her Coppélia, you could almost see the delicate craftsmanship, the intricate mechanics beneath the porcelain beauty.
- Misty Copeland's Coppélia, oh that was different, and captivating in its own way. She brought a raw vulnerability to the doll, a certain loneliness beneath the carefully painted exterior. Her Swanilda was bursting with energy, her character full of depth, both playful and fierce. You could feel her journey, from naive infatuation to real love.
- Carlos Acosta’s Franz, a whirlwind of energy. He captured Franz's naivety, his infatuation, his love, and his ultimately his awakening, the moment he understands his own feelings and his commitment to Swanilda.
Then there are the Corps de Ballet, the ensemble who make the magic possible. Their perfectly synchronized movements, their breathtaking unison – they weave a spell, creating the world within which the individual stories unfold. They're the village folk, the inhabitants of the doll's world, the fabric of the story. And each one, each individual dancer in the ensemble, brings their own magic to the stage, a single strand to the woven tapestry. They are the silent force behind the ballet. Their individual talents combine into a chorus, the ground upon which the individual dancers stand out and yet contribute to the whole.
Watching Coppélia isn't just about seeing a story unfold on stage, it’s an experience. It's a chance to be transported to another world, a chance to escape, a chance to feel. The laughter, the tension, the hope, and ultimately, the triumph – it all washes over you like a wave, leaving you feeling uplifted, enchanted, and strangely at peace.
As I've said, the ballet isn't a complex exploration of human psychology or society, but it does speak to the timeless themes of youth, love, innocence and the folly of illusions. It reminds us to value the true, the tangible, and the beauty within, rather than pursuing an idealized dream. It's a reminder to appreciate the warmth of real love, the joy of human connection.
And then there's the sheer beauty of it all. The costumes, shimmering like jewels under the stage lights, the delicate set pieces, the captivating dances - each element combines to create a spectacle that stays with you long after the curtain call. This isn't just a performance, it’s an escape, an invitation to a world of wonder and possibility.
Go see Coppélia, whatever your age, even if you've seen it before. Let yourself be swept away by its beauty, its charm, its magic. You'll discover it's a journey well worth taking, again and again. And as the final curtain falls, let the echo of Delibes’ music stay with you, and smile – as you leave the theatre with the echo of that magical story echoing in your mind and the gentle swaying of Swanilda and Franz dancing beneath a soft, silver moon.