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Early 19th-century Europe seems to have been populated by mad inventors bent on bringing dolls to life--at least to judge by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann's colorful stories. Hoffmann wrote the tale that has become the beloved holiday ballet The Nutcracker. But Hoffmann wrote another fable with a similar theme that also inspired a favorite ballet.
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents Coppélia, the comic ballet based on that story, Feb. 58 in San Jose. Coppélia features music by Leo Délibes and choreography by Dennis Nahat, artistic director of Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley.
In a small Polish village, the spunky Swanilda teaches her fickle suitor, Franz, a lesson after his head is turned by a local beauty who truly is nothing more than a pretty face. Though already engaged to Swanilda, the foolish Franz falls for the doll-like loveliness of Coppélia, an aloof young lady he sees at the home of the toymaker Dr. Coppélius.
Swanilda quickly discovers that the new object of Franz's affections really is just an object: a doll, one which, it turns out, Dr. Coppélius longs to bring to life to be his companion. Swanilda, disguised in Coppélia's clothes, makes it appear as if the doll has become human, to the delight of Dr. Coppélius and to the possible peril of Franz, whom the doctor catches prowling on his balcony. But in the end, the only real damage done is to Franz's ego.
On Feb. 8, Coppélia won't be the only doll with admirers. The ballet will host a doll contest judged by company dancers. Any child attending the performance is invited to bring a favorite doll for a competition that offers awards for "prettiest doll," "most unusual doll" and "doll that looks most like Coppélia," among other categories. Prizes include autographed pointe shoes, tickets to upcoming performances, ballet sweatshirts and more.
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents Coppélia Feb. 58 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Tickets are $22$68. For more information, call 408.288.2800 or see www.balletsanjose.org.
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