Coppélia

New York City Ballet

Wednesday • Jul 09, 2025 • 7:30pm

Thursday • Jul 10, 2025 • 7:30pm

Friday • Jul 11, 2025 • 7:30pm

Saturday • Jul 12, 2025 • 2:00pm

Robbins, Balanchine & Peck

New York City Ballet

Friday • Jul 11, 2025 • 2:00pm

Saturday • Jul 12, 2025 • 7:30pm

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Coppélia

The delightful tale of a mad inventor and the life-like doll he creates, The New York Times calls Coppélia “story ballet done to perfection.”

One of the greatest comic ballets of the 19th Century, Coppélia has remained one of the best-loved classical works in the ballet repertory. The three-act ballet features a lush, melodic score by Delibes, a fairy-tale set and extensive ensemble dances.

In Coppélia, a young man named Frantz becomes infatuated with a life-like doll named Coppélia, created by the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppélius. Frantz’ fiancée, Swanilda, discovers the truth and cleverly tricks Dr. Coppélius into believing she is Coppélia, ultimately exposing the deception and reuniting with Frantz in a joyful celebration of their love.

Wendy Whelan, New York City Ballet’s associate artistic director, said to The New York Times: “‘This is lighthearted and warm and easy to watch. It’s a reminder of the beginnings of ballet: the storytelling, the classical dance, the pantomime.’ Plus, Whelan added, ‘it’s fun and it’s funny.’”

The lavish production features scenery and costumes by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, additional costumes by Karinska, and lighting by Mark Stanley.

Featuring a large cast of children from the Capital Region, Coppélia was commissioned by SPAC and held its world premiere in Saratoga in 1974.

Can’t decide which performance to attend? Join us for one of our themed performance nights, Date Night @ SPAC (Thursday, July 10) or Family Night (Friday, July 11).

Date Night @ SPAC — Thursday, July 10

On Date Night, the SPAC grounds will have everything you need for a perfect evening out at the ballet with your loved ones! Enjoy complimentary wine and beer tastings from Keuka Spring Vineyards and Whitman Brewing Co., and capture the night with a souvenir photograph taken by On the Spot Photos. Date Night activities begin at 5:30PM when gates open.

Coppélia -- Choreography: George Balanchine & Alexandra Danilova, after Petipa

Music: Léo Delibes

This program is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes long, inclusive of two 20-minute intermissions.