If you think all ballet performances are serious classical pieces, think again.
As part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival, the American Ballet Theatre will be performing ‘Coppelia’, a comic ballet that promises to dazzle audiences with its magical plot.
One of the lead dancers, Misty Copeland, spoke to tabloid! about how ‘Coppelia’ differs from other ballet performances.
“[Audiences] can expect a very light-hearted, uplifting ballet that has a happy ending, that’s funny, and I think it can be attractive to both adults and children. It’s just a really fun story. I’m glad that we’re bringing a light and easy ballet here,” Copeland said.
The story revolves around Dr Coppelius, a dollmaker whose shop gets broken into by Swanhilde (Copeland’s role). After she breaks some of the dolls, Swanhilde convinces Dr Coppelius that she is one of his dolls that has been brought to life by his magic.
Copeland described her character as “sassy [and] who likes to get into trouble”.
But aside from the comedy, the plot also has a romantic side. “There’s also a love story between me and Franz who is also a troublemaker. So again, it’s light-hearted and fun. I have a few costume changes with frilly dresses and tutus,” Copeland added.
Encouraging people to attend the performance, the American dancer said: “Come in with an open mind. So many people to whom I’ve introduced ballet come in thinking: ‘I’m gonna be bored. I’m gonna fall asleep, this isn’t for me.’ They usually have their minds changed when they experience the magic of being in a theatre and seeing live dance and music.”
Despite a diminishing audience for classical music, Copeland is confident that the performance is one that everybody can enjoy.
“Something that I’ve been trying to do is to diversify ballet. Sometimes, you have to do something a little different to spark people’s interest. I’ve had the opportunity to work with pop musicians and add classical ballet to it. I think that’s a great way of introducing it to people who might not be interested in classical music,” she said.
The ballerina has worked with artists and groups including Prince, Patti LaBelle and TLC.
Copeland, who has been with the American Ballet Theatre for 13 years, said it took strength, dedication and sacrifice to become a ballerina. The award-winning ballerina is now the first African-American ballet soloist with the company.
Performers from the American Ballet Theatre, a ballet company based on New York, will be accompanied on stage by the Dresden Philharmonic in the company’s debut in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Festival, now in its 11th year, runs until March 31. For the full programme and upcoming performances, go to www.abudhabifestival.ae.
