DOLLING IT UP, EN POINTE

Barrington Dance Ensemble revives Coppélia with history, heart, and rising talent.

Sienna Till was just a tyke when she appeared in her first Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE) production of the beloved ballet, Coppélia. “I was Cupid,” she says, smiling. “And my only job was to perch on one of the professional dancers’ shoulders and wave a wand!”

This year, as a principal dancer in BDE’s Coppélia on June 12 and 13 at Barrington High School, much more than Cupid will be riding on Till’s slim shoulders. Along with fellow BDE dancer Ella McGee, Till will share the technically challenging roles of both Swanhilda and Coppélia.

“Knowing your hard work has paid off is a great feeling,” says Till, “but sharing roles with my talented friend Ella, and seeing her shine on stage, is an even bigger reward.”

Loosely based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffman—famed writer of The Nutcracker, Coppélia also features a mysterious inventor, life-like dancing dolls, and plenty of enchantment.

But here, the plot centers on a case of mistaken identity: Young lovers Swanhilda and Franz are tested when Franz becomes infatuated with a beautiful girl seated on a balcony. Investigating, Swanhilda finds the “girl” to be nothing more than a life-sized doll made by the eccentric Dr. Coppélius. Shenanigans, predictably, ensue before harmony is restored.

“It really is thrilling for us to bring Coppélia to the stage once again,” says artistic director Mary Brennan. This year’s performance brings back newly refurbished sets by famed designer James Estes, along with original costumes by Patti Whitmore, refreshed by current costumer Aliceson Rubel.

The choreography, by long-time BDE teacher and former San Francisco ballet member Roberta Pfeil-Begley, is also historically significant. Derived from original notations passed down from ballet icons Richard Ellis and Christine Du Boulay Ellis, of Sadler’s Wells Ballet, the choreography is linked to an 1870 version of Coppélia from the Paris Opera Ballet where the work premiered.

This year’s cast of 70 includes a full range of BDE dancers, as well as guest artists Rob Lane (Dr. Coppelius), former associate director at the Civic Ballet of Chicago; Jackson Ferreira Liee (Franz, Franz’s Friend), formerly of the Joffrey Ballet; Malachi Squires (Franz, Franz’s Friend) formerly of Les Grandiva Ballets, and Jacob Brooks, (Franz’s friend), formerly of the Madison Ballet.

“We are very deliberate at Barrington Dance Ensemble about preserving and spotlighting the history of dance,” says Brennan. “Our production does that through the treasured ballet choreography, the sets, and the costumes. All are truly works of art. We can’t wait to share this beautiful production with our community.”

For tickets and information please visit barringtondance.org.