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
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.
Spellbinding and kinetic masterworks by Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine accompany a SPAC premiere by Justin Peck.
Embark on a journey that takes you from iconic classic ballets to the excitement and innovation of new choreography. This program opens with Robbins’ spirited work In G Major, followed by the signature Balanchine leotard ballet Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Closing the program is Mystic Familiar, an exhilarating SPAC premiere by Justin Peck and the creators of The Times Are Racing.
On Saturday, July 12, attendees are invited to participate in a pre-performance red carpet, Fashion Night @ SPAC, plus a free NYCB After Party featuring live music and a cash bar!
