A treasure of the cultural legacy, it has been staged worldwide ever since its premiere in Paris in 1870. Based on Marius Petipa’s version of the original ballet, created by Arthur Saint-Léon, and set to Léo Delibes’s sublime music, Ronald Hynd’s 1985 choreography radiates classical beauty.The enchanting sets and costumes for the production have been designed by Roberta Guidi di Bagno. The ballet depicts the story of Swanilda, the daughter of the mayor of a small town, and her wilful fiancé Franz. Their relationship runs into trouble when the eccentric Dr. Coppélius makes the charming life-size doll Coppélia.
“There is no prince or princess, there are no swans or sleeping beauties. Only two villagers, a boy and a girl falling in love with each other. It’s about life … I think that is precisely why the ballet is so popular. Audiences can identify with the simple fetching story.” (Ronald Hynd)
