Swanhilda is in love with Franz and her affections are returned until Franz becomes enamored of a lifelike dancing doll created by the peculiar inventor Dr. Coppelius in the beloved ballet, “Coppelia.”
Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble is staging “Coppelia,” June 9 and 10 at Barrington High School.
“This is a ballet that we have in our repertoire already,” Artistic Director Mary Brennan said. “This ballet requires extremely highly-trained dancers. I decided to do it this year because of the level of the student dancers.”
The role of Swanhilda is a particularly challenging one. “It’s a hard role even for a professional,” Brennan said. “The sheer amount of time that they spend on the stage is one factor — it’s a three-act ballet. The level of choreography is very high. Not only does this require a student who’s very accomplished technically, we have a couple of dancers who are fine actors as well.”
Those two dancers are Victoria Van Hollen of Lake Barrington and Sailor Streeter of Barrington who each portray Swanhilda at one performance.
Van Hollen began dancing at the age of 3 at the Barrington Dance Academy, and has studied there ever since.
Swanhilda is Van Hollen’s favorite role. “It’s definitely an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to take on this role,” she said. “It’s definitely a challenge but it’s good to know that all of the teachers and all the coaches have the faith in us that we can do it.”
Van Hollen has enjoyed preparing for the role. She described Swanhilda as “a very energetic girl. Everybody loves her but she also has a bit of a temper.”
“It’s been so much fun getting to work with all of the characters, having the opportunity to dance with professionals — having that partnering experience,” she added. Van Hollen also enjoys the fact that the role requires a great deal of acting.
“It’s a good way to finish off my career with the Barrington Dance Academy,” she said.
Dance will remain an important part of Van Hollen’s life. “I’m going to the University of Alabama next year and I will be doing a double major in dance and communications,” she said. “After college, I’m definitely thinking about a career in dance.”
The company always includes professional guest artists at their dance performances. This year’s lineup includes choreographer Gregory Merriman as Dr. Coppelius, Joffrey Ballet dancer Fernando Duarte and guest artist Malachi Squires sharing the role of Franz, and Jackson Ferreira, of the Joffrey Ballet’s Studio Company, dancing the role of Franz’s friend.
The company is performing a version of “Coppelia” staged by Barrington Dance Academy’s Roberta Pfeil-Begley. “She was a soloist with San Francisco Ballet and she has been working with the company for many, many years,” Brennan reported.
The ballet will be danced on a set that reflects a mid-1800’s European village.
Brennan considers “Coppelia” “a worldwide favorite. It’s humorous, the sets and costumes are brilliant. Audiences love this ballet.”
Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble presents, ‘Coppelia’
When: 7 p.m. June 9 and 2 p.m. June 10
Where: Richard C. Johnson Auditorium, Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St.
Tickets: $18-$25
Information: (847) 382-6333; www.byde.org
