ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—American Repertory Ballet (ARB), New Jersey’s preeminent classical and contemporary ballet company, will make its Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) debut with the ballet world’s most beloved comedy, “Coppelia,” on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
“We’re excited to be bringing ‘Coppelia’ to bergenPAC,” says Artistic Director Douglas Martin. “One of the few comedic ballets in the classical ballet repertoire, ‘Coppelia’ is the perfect story ballet guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages.”
In “Coppelia,” brilliant classical dance meets a delightfully comic narrative. This full-length ballet tells the light-hearted story of Franz, a village boy engaged to Swanhilda, who becomes infatuated with a life-like doll created by the eccentric inventor, Dr. Coppelius. Hilarity ensues over love and mistaken identity.
Originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Leon, “Coppelia” premiered in Paris in 1870. Saint-Leon’s interest in folk dancing figures prominently in the ballet, and is also reflected in the lush symphonic music by French composer Leo Delibes. With its tuneful and romantic music, “Coppelia” stands alongside such classics as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Nutcracker as the best-loved and most enduring ballets of all time.
A delightful evening of ballet fun for the entire family, The New York Times calls “Coppelia” “one of the happiest ballets in existence.”
Tickets range from $29 to $59. For tickets, visit bergenpac.org or call (201) 227-1030. bergenPAC is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, N.J.
American Repertory Ballet’s mission is to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and to dance students through artistic and educational programs. The organization comprises: the preeminent professional classical and contemporary ballet company in the state; Princeton Ballet School, one of the largest and most respected non-profit dance schools in the nation; and ARB’s Access & Enrichment initiatives, including the long-running and acclaimed “Dance Power” program. To learn more, visit arballet.org.