Coppélia – La Fille aux Yeux d’Émail (The Girl with the Enamel Eyes) is a comic ballet to the music of Léo Delibes. The plot is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Sandman. La Scala in Milan will enchant its audience with a new production of the ballet Coppélia by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky .
The ballet Coppelia is a masterpiece of classical dance that has captivated audiences worldwide since its premiere in 1870. With music by Léo Delibes and original choreography by Arthur Saint-Léon, this ballet has become a timeless classic in the ballet repertoire. One of the most iconic venues where Coppelia has been performed is Milan’s Teatro alla Scala.
The Teatro alla Scala, also known as La Scala, is one of the world’s most famous and prestigious opera and ballet theaters. Founded in 1778, it has been the stage for countless opera and ballet productions and has hosted some of the most memorable performances in the history of the performing arts.
On this majestic stage, “Coppelia” comes to life with a splendid production that captures the essence of classical ballet. The story follows Swanhilde, a young peasant girl, and her love for Franz, a young man who becomes infatuated with a mysterious girl in the window of Dr. Coppélius’s house. Dr. Coppélius is an inventor obsessed with creating a doll that looks like a real woman, leading to a series of comedic entanglements.
At the Teatro alla Scala, the production of “Coppelia” stands out for its magnificent set design and costumes. The beautiful costumes, carefully designed lighting, and detailed stage transport the audience to a charming 19th-century village. Delibes’s music, performed by La Scala’s world-renowned orchestra, adds an additional layer of beauty and emotion to the narrative.
Arthur Saint-Léon’s original choreography has been faithfully preserved over the years, with its characteristic grace and style. The dancers of La Scala, some of the world’s finest, execute the pas de deux and ensemble numbers with astonishing precision and elegance. “Coppelia” is a showcase of technical virtuosity and artistic expression.
The performance of “Coppelia” at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan is a testament to this prestigious institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The combination of such a charming classical ballet and the grandeur of La Scala makes this experience unforgettable for those fortunate enough to witness it. This ballet remains an example of how dance can transcend time and space, continuing to appeal to present and future generations.