Even after leaving the theatre, I am still thinking about how long you have to train the technique of perfectly imitating a puppet. The dancers in Coppélia did a wonderful job doing right that, and I was happy to cover their performance in an article for Performing Denver.
From the moment the curtain rose, I was transported to a magical world of dolls and puppets. The set design was intricate and detailed,especially in the second half where the audience find itself in a dollmaker’s shop that is filled with an array of colorful and lifelike dolls. The costumes were equally impressive, with the dancers dressed in vibrant and whimsical outfits that perfectly captured the playful and lighthearted nature of the ballet.
The choreography including many “puppet-imitating-movements” was a focus of the performance, with the dancers moving seemingly effortlessly across the stage. The final act, which featured a series of divertissements, was a joy to watch, with the dancers showcasing their skills and talents in a variety of styles and genres.
But what really made the experience of writing the review special was the opportunity to delve deeper into the themes and messages of the ballet. In my review, I explore the idea of the blurred lines between the living and the non-living, and how the ballet challenges us to question our perceptions of reality. I also touch on the themes of love, deception, and forgiveness, and how they are woven seamlessly into the narrative of the ballet. You can read my full review of Coppélia performed by Colorado Ballet on Presenting Denver: https://presentingdenver.org/between-puppets-and-the-living/
Overall, the experience of writing the review was a wonderful one, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed such a beautiful and thought-provoking performance. It was a reminder of the power of dance to tell stories, challenge our perceptions, and inspire us to think more deeply about the world around us.