èßäAV

New York City Ballet: Coppélia

Opera House

The whole family will delight in the misadventures of the spirited Swanilda, her foolish sweetheart Frantz, and mad inventor Dr. Coppélius in New York City Ballet’s Coppélia. The New York Times calls it a “story ballet done to perfection.”

Mar. 25 - 30, 2025

Production Information

  • Genre

    Ballet

  • Live Music By

    èßäAVOpera House Orchestra

  • Presenting Sponsor

    Bank of America

New York City Ballet’s Megan Fairchild in Coppélia. Photo by Paul Kolnik

Program

The whole family will delight in the misadventures of the spirited Swanilda, her foolish sweetheart Frantz, and mad inventor Dr. Coppélius in New York City Ballet’s Coppélia. With lively characters, a case of mistaken identity, and a bright orchestral score, the New York Times calls it a “story ballet done to perfection.”

One of the world’s foremost dance companies is back with this charming, comedic masterpiece about an eccentric toymaker and the doll he creates. After noticing Frantz’s infatuation with Dr. Coppélius’ masterwork—a beautiful life-like doll named Coppélia—a jealous Swanilda sneaks into the inventor’s workshop to uncover its secrets. The ensuing mayhem culminates in a magnificent grand finale, as the village celebrates the Festival of Bells. Originally choreographed in the 19th century, this production was restaged by George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova for its New York City Ballet premiere in 1974.

Quote

“Choreographic sunshine”

The New York Times

Note from the Curator

“To see New York City Ballet in a full-length classical work is special, especially one that also demonstrates the storytelling chops of George Balanchine. It’s a side of Mr. Balanchine and a side of the company we don’t often get a chance to see. I hope everyone will revel in the opportunity to see NYCB’s stars and up-and-coming standouts dig into these characters over three acts of Coppélia, finding moments to appreciate the levity and the delight of this comic story ballet, perfect for the whole family.” 

—Jane Raleigh, Kennedy Center director of dance programming

Sponsors

William J. Caldwell and Michele Toth

Subscriptions

Make It a Subscription

This event is also available in our Subscription Packages

Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.

Help Dance Thrive

Support the Kennedy Center's Dance program when you designate your Membership to Ballet and Dance.

Terms and Conditions

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

You May Also Like

Grey Skies Blue

Jan. 17 - 19, 2025

Dance and theater merge in SHAPESHIFT’s Grey Skies Blue. Join a group of friends as they uncover personal truths through dynamic movement in an inspiring show that resonates with audiences of all ages.

National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)

Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2025

With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.

Pan American Symphony Orchestra presents

Fantasia Española

Sat. Feb. 1, 2025

Pan American Symphony Orchestra’s lavish, energetic performance of music inspired by Spanish traditions will leave you warmly inspired.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Feb. 4 - 9, 2025

For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents Ailey classics and new works, including Ailey’s signature Revelations.