Coppélia

Volksopera Vienna [ENA] Coppélia is a ballet of Pierre Lacotte which was inspired by the stories of Hoffmann. This was a very elegant performance, in the original setting of the 19th century, with beautiful costumes, phantasy rich stage and virtuous performance of the dancers from the Vienna State Opera Ballet. A real feast with three acts which took spectators into the magic world of palaces, romantic villages and mysterious houses.

The story of "Coppélia" is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's short story "The Sandman." The ballet follows the tale of a young man named Franz who becomes infatuated with a beautiful life-sized mechanical doll named Coppélia. The story is set in a quaint village where Dr. Coppélius, a toymaker and alchemist, creates the lifelike doll Coppélia. Franz, engaged to a young woman named Swanhilda, becomes captivated by Coppélia, unaware that she is not a real person. Swanhilda, suspicious of Franz's intentions, decides to uncover the truth about Coppélia and the mysterious Dr. Coppélius.

The ballet features lively and charming dances, showcasing the love, mischief, and playful interactions between the characters. "Coppélia" is known for its delightful music and intricate choreography, making it a beloved and enduring ballet in the classical repertoire. Pierre Lacotte, known for his detailed restorations of classics, revived Arthur Saint-Léon's choreography and reconstructed the long-lost third picture as a brilliant finale.

Pierre Lacotte is a renowned French ballet dancer, choreographer, and dance historian. He is known for his significant contributions to the world of classical ballet, particularly for his work in reviving and reconstructing historical ballets. Lacotte has dedicated much of his career to researching and reconstructing ballets from the 19th century, bringing these classic works back to the stage. His work is highly regarded for its attention to historical accuracy and dedication to preserving the choreographic styles and essence of the original ballets. His reconstructions have allowed audiences to experience the ballets as they were originally intended, providing valuable insights into the history and development of ballet as an art form.