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Ballet Jörgen takes Vernon stage

Locals have a chance to join Coppélia performance

One of the oldest surviving ballets, one of the best known and most performed comedic ballets in the world is coming to Vernon.

Ballet Jörgen’s Coppélia takes the stage at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Coppélia is the third show in the 2018/19 Spotlight Dance Series.

See: Vernon Performing Arts Centre announces Spotlight Series

“It is a daring, bold and funny story that takes us into the mysterious mind of Dr. Coppélius, a lonely and disillusioned toy maker who wishes he could bring a perfect doll to life,” said Janelle Escott, marketing and community engagement director at the centre. “Ballet Jörgen (Anastasia, Swan Lake) brings a contemporary retelling of the story that will delight audiences of all ages!”

When Dr. Coppélius creates Coppélia, a stunning, life-sized dancing doll, hilarity ensues as Nathanael, one of the local villagers, falls madly in love with the doll. His sweetheart Klara enacts revenge by pretending to be Coppélia to punish Nathanael. This lighthearted story makes for one of the company’s most popular family ballets.

Original choreography from Bengt Jörgen showcases the exceptional technical standards of the company dancers. Reflecting their classical identity, the movement is approached with humour, intimacy and dramatic intensity. Ballet Jörgen’s first production of Coppélia originally premiered in 2001 as an international co-production between Ballet Jörgen and The Hong Kong Ballet.

Called “innovative, whimsical and amusing, yet dramatic in all the right places” by The Barrie Examiner, Ballet Jörgen captures the soul of Coppélia through exceptional movement and storytelling in what is sure to be a night to remember.

“The entire Jörgen Company fills the stage with such exquisite life you are swept along for an entertaining ride,” The Hamilton Spectator states.

Ballet Jörgen will be hosting a Master Class from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Marie Fleming Hall on Feb. 19. This class is suitable for ballet students aged 14+ and pre-registration is required. Tickets to the Master Class are $20 per person and includes a ticket to the following night’s performance of Coppélia. Call the Ticket Seller (250-549-7469) to pre-register.

See also: Lace up for a cause with Dancing with the Vernon Stars

Ballet Jörgen is also looking for local dancers for their Local Participant program, which calls for young dancers to join the company onstage during the Performance. The Company is also hosting auditions for their Education programs in the Marie Fleming Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 7:30-9 p.m. Visit www.canadasballetjorgen.ca for more information about the Local Participant program and the various Education programs.

Tickets for Ballet Jörgen’s Coppélia are $45 for adults, $42 for seniors and $40 for students and can be purchased now through the Ticket Seller Box Office by calling 549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca.


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entertainment@vernonmorningstar.com

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