Ballet is returning to Brainerd, when the Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center at Central Lakes College presents the Continental Ballet Company's production of "Coppelia." Two performances are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Chalberg Theatre in at CLC.
Continental Ballet Company is a professional touring company based in Bloomington. The company is recognized by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C. and has been placed on their Roster of Approved Artists. The Founder/Director is Riet Velthusien, a native of Holland.
Coppelia is the story of a doll-maker who tries to bring a beautiful doll to life. Dr. Coppélius is a doctor who has made a life-size dancing doll. It is so lifelike that Franz, a village youth, becomes infatuated with it and sets aside his true heart's desire, Swanhilda. She shows him his folly by dressing as the doll, pretending to make it come to life and ultimately saving him from an untimely end at the hands of the inventor. This ballet mixes razor-sharp story-mime with bravura classical dance. It is a wonderful ballet for families and people of all ages.
The performers are professional dancers and can include as many as 30 dancers for a single production. In addition to the performing company, Continental Ballet Company operates a studio of ballet offering dance lessons for students of all ages and abilities. More information on the group can be found at www.continentalballet.com .
Tickets for Coppelia are available from the CLC box office at 218-855-8199 and online at www.clcmn.edu/arts .
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This show is sponsored by Essentia Health. The entire CLC Performing Arts Center season is made possible in part by an operating grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
