If you've ever wondered what it takes to put on tights and leap across the stage in a way that makes you believe in magic (minus the pixie dust), UC's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is pulling back the curtain. Their latest mini-documentary, "Bearcat Ballet" offers a rare glimpse into the grueling yet undeniably fascinating world of ballet production. The doc features students from the CCM Dance program, specifically following Celeste Lau and Regina Murphy, both in pursuit of a BFA in Ballet and slated to graduate in '25. These dedicated dancers played alternating roles in the April production of Coppélia, a ballet that combines drama with dance in a manner that's held the public's gaze tighter than a tutu since the 19th century.
But it's not just about the dancers. The production's success hinges on the collective sigh of an entire team, from the set designers to the unsung heroes sewing sequins onto costumes. The CCM's behind-the-scenes footage captures both the triumphant and the toe-tappingly tense moments leading up to the final performance. According to the CCM release, in a statement obtained by UC News, the documentary showcases how students "learn by doing" – and learning, they are, in a way that textbook margins could never accommodate.
The story of Coppélia, still spry despite being choreographed over a century and half ago, revolves around the storybook love triangle between Swanilda, Franz, and a mechanical doll that's a little too convincingly lifelike. The UC's Corbett Auditorium served as the grand stage where this comedic, yet intricately crafted ballet played out from April 3-6, but for those who missed the footwork live, an on-demand performance from April 4 is now available. We're talking about the sumptuous score by Léo Delibes that practically dances on its own, even if your own feet have two left tendencies.
A quaint touch for the digitally inclined viewer, UC's decision to release the production online allows ballet admirers and prospective dance students alike to watch the April 4 performance, courtesy of CCM Recording Productions. Let's get real, the classic Coppélia has been energizing audiences with its "graceful choreography with theatrical storytelling" since its debut in Paris, 1870, as noted by UC News. This light-hearted portrayal by CCM might just have you grasping for ballet shoes – or at the very least, a streaming device to witness the artistry on demand.
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