Coppélia (The Royal Ballet)

Set in a charming village square, the story revolves around the eccentric toymaker Coppelius and his lifelike mechanical doll, Coppélia. The mischievous Franz is captivated by Coppélia, much to the chagrin of his fiancée, Swanhilda. Swanhilda, suspecting Coppélia is more than just a doll, sneaks into Coppelius's workshop to uncover the truth, leading to a series of comical and romantic entanglements.

The Royal Ballet's production of Coppélia, as captured in this 2000 recording, has been widely praised for its vibrant choreography, humor, and faithful adherence to the classic ballet's spirit. Critics often highlight the production's charm and the dancers' technical prowess in bringing the comedic and romantic elements to life. It's considered a delightful and accessible entry into the ballet repertoire, beloved by both seasoned ballet enthusiasts and newcomers.

• Praised for its joyful and humorous interpretation of the classic story.

• Lauded for the technical brilliance and expressive performances of the dancers.

• Appreciated for its charming staging and faithfulness to the original ballet.

Google audience: Audience reviews for The Royal Ballet's Coppélia consistently highlight its delightful humor and the exceptional skill of the performers. Viewers often express their enjoyment of the classic, lighthearted story and the captivating dancing, making it a widely recommended production for family entertainment.

The original choreography for Coppélia was created by Arthur Saint-Léon in 1870, with a libretto by Charles Nuitter, and the music composed by Léo Delibes.