San Luis Obispo Movement Arts Center presents Coppélia: A Modern Reimagining on Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cuesta College.
This classic comic ballet, choreographed by Ryan Lawrence, has been reimagined in 1950s America and explores themes of individualism, personal identity, and self-acceptance while continuing to honor the beloved ballet’s core elements.
“The original Coppélia has been performed by major ballet companies worldwide since its debut in 1870,” says Lawrence. “Our reimagining maintains the comic spirit of the ballet while exploring themes that resonate deeply with modern audiences.”
The story unfolds in a high school setting. The traditional celebration dances have been reimagined to represent elements of teenage life: the dawn of young adulthood, prayer for love, work (or “Werk!”), social discord, and eventual peace. What follows is a journey of discovery, acceptance, and celebration that culminates in harmony both within the school and within the characters themselves.
SLOMAC is a conservatory-style dance studio founded by Maartje Hermans and Ryan Lawrence in San Luis Obispo in 2015.
Tickets for Coppélia: A Modern Reimagining are available online.