Coppélia

The rare full-length ballet highlighted by generous doses of comedy, Coppélia returns to the repertory to mark the 50th anniversary of Balanchine’s 1974 staging. Drawing on the Petipa production, Balanchine collaborated with the great Russian dancer Alexandra Danilova, renowned for her performance in the central role of Swanilda, to bring this 19th-century staple to renewed life. The playful premise: The inventor Dr. Coppélius creates a life-sized doll whose eerie charms entrance the village youth Franz, amusing his beloved Swanilda, who hatches a plot to impersonate the doll and hoodwink her love. Rich in classical choreography infused with high spirits, the ballet has remained in the international repertory ever since its debut.