Background of Spring Shows

Learn about the history and production of Southern California Ballet’s three spring shows: Coppélia, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland.

Alice in Wonderland

Coppélia

Cinderella

SCB’s spring ballet repertoire consists of three full-length story ballets: Coppélia, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. 

They are presented annually, in either March or April, at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

Coppélia

A comedy ballet in three acts

Coppélia is a traditional romantic style ballet choreographed to the music of Léo Delibes and based on the original choreography (1870) by Arthur Saint-Léon.

This ballet provides dancers and audiences a true ‘classical ballet’ experience, with a grand pas de deux, classical corp de ballet dances, extensive character dances, and traditional ballet mime.

  • Nineteenth Century Bavarian Square:

    The eccentric inventor Dr. Coppélius has arrived in town and parked his caravan on the town square. Coppélius has spent his life developing his mystical powers, and his great ambition is to bring Coppélia, one of his mechanical dolls, to life! Dr. Coppélius leaves Coppélia in the doorway of his caravan to enjoy some fresh air and is delighted when everyone believes she is a real person. Swanhilda is not so pleased when her fiancé, Franz, is distracted by Coppélia’s beauty. The Lord of the Manor suggests that Swanhilda test Franz’s faithfulness with a stalk of wheat—if it rattles, she will know his love is true. Before leaving the town square, the Lord of the Manor announces plans for the Festival of the Bell to celebrate the gift of a new bell to the village church. Swanhilda and her friends decide to enter Dr. Coppélius’ caravan to look for the “mysterious girl” on the balcony. Franz appears soon after with the same mission in mind!

  • Dr. Coppélius’ Workshop, Later that Night:

    Inside the workshop, Swanhilda and her friends discover Coppélia and are astonished to find that she is actually a doll. Dr. Coppélius returns and drives them all out, except Swanhilda who hides and switches places with the Coppélia doll. Franz appears and Dr. Coppélius threatens to punish him. He then has second thoughts and offers him a glass of wine, with a sleeping potion to make him fall asleep. With the help of a book of magic, he tries to bring Coppélia to life using the boy’s spirit. Swanhilda pretends to be the doll that has come to life, making Dr. Coppélius deliriously happy with his “success.”

  • Festival of the Bell:

    The new bell is formally presented by the Lord of the Manor. He bestows purses of gold upon Franz and Swanhilda who have announced their wedding that day. Dr. Coppélius, still singing from the realization that he had been tricked, demands the gold to pay for the damage to his workshop. The Lord of the Manor smooths things over, and the festival begins.

Synopsis

Discussion with Artistic Directors

Why was Coppélia selected for Southern California Ballet’s spring ballet repertoire?

Coppélia is a ballet that Toby (Co-Artistic Director) performed as a pre-professional dancer. It has a fond place in his memory as a ballet that is entertaining for audiences, and appropriate yet challenging enough for dancers of SCB to perform well while gaining good experience. The comedy aspect—often, the most challenging thing to do on stage is make people laugh—along with the classical structure of the ballet is perfect to challenge the dancers and delight audiences. Coppélia is also a very accessible ballet for audiences who are new to dance because of its easy-to-follow story and clear narrative. 

Ballet dancers performing on stage with a village backdrop, including cottages, people in traditional costumes, and a flower cart.
A group of dancers dressed in traditional Polish folk costumes performing on stage, with women wearing skirts with floral patterns and men in vests and pants, in front of a set designed to look like a rural house.
A group of dancers in colorful historical costumes performing a traditional dance on stage, with some dancers holding their skirts in mid-spin and others forming a line, in front of a painted backdrop of buildings.
Ballet dancers performing on stage, wearing white costumes with black lines, with arms raised gracefully.
A group of ballet dancers in white tutus with black trim performing on stage, with a scenic backdrop of a house and greenery.
Ballet performance scene with dancers on stage, a man in a green costume with a feathered hat handing a small object to a woman in a white dress with a floral headpiece, surrounded by children in costumes and other dancers, with a backdrop of a villa
Two female ballet dancers on stage; one dancing in a rural setting, the other seated inside a green and yellow caravan reading a book.
Musicians dressed in colorful, traditional costumes performing on stage, with one man in a green coat and feathered hat and a woman in a blue and white dress, dancing together.
A ballet dancer in a colorful costume performs on stage with a group of women in traditional folk costumes, inside a theater with wood paneling and decorative set pieces.
A group of ballet dancers dressed in colorful traditional costumes performing on stage, with some dancers in the foreground and taller dancers in the background.
Ballet dancers performing on stage in traditional costumes, with a backdrop of a village scene.
Ballet dancers dressed in colorful costumes performing on stage with a village backdrop and a green set piece.
Ballet dancers on stage dressed in colorful traditional costumes performing a dance scene with a village backdrop and a green barrel-shaped cart.
A ballet dancer performing a move on stage, wearing a blue and white dress with puffed sleeves and striped skirt, with other dancers in colorful costumes sitting in the background.
A group of dancers dressed in traditional folk costumes performing on stage, with a male dancer in front and female dancers behind him in a country setting.
A group of performers in traditional European folk costumes participating in a stage dance. The men and women wear colorful dresses, vests, and headpieces, with some women in skirts and aprons, and men in striped pants and vests. The background depic
A group of dancers in colorful traditional costumes performing on stage, with a male dancer jumping in the air at the center, while an audience watches.
The image shows a stage performance with young actors dressed in period costumes, depicting a scene in a village. One actor dressed as an elderly woman is leaning on a cane, while others run around her on stage.
The scene depicts a theatrical performance with nine dancers dressed in traditional folk costumes on stage. The stage is dimly lit with warm lighting, some dancers covering their faces or bowing. The backdrop has large arched windows with grid patter
People in a theatrical play scene; one person with curly gray wig pouring drink, others watching.
Ballet dancers performing on stage, one dancer balancing on one foot with a raised leg and arm, dressed in a blue tutu, while another dancer with gray wig and brown costume appears to be reacting to the performance, with another dancer sitting in the
Ballet dancer in a colorful costume performing on stage with arms raised and a smile.

Cinderella

A magical fairytale ballet in three acts

Cinderella follows the well known fairy tale of the same name. It has a more modern feeling than Coppélia, yet maintains a historical setting. The music by Prokofiev is some of the most beautiful ballet music ever written. 

Cinderella is a more modern, twentieth-century story ballet choreographed by Artistic Directors Martha and Toby. It features dramatic dance acting and classical steps, but remains outside of the traditional format of classical ballet.

  • Once upon a time... 

    The world of the beautiful, kind-hearted Cinderella has been turned upside-down following the death of her father, as she has been forced into servitude by her selfish and greedy stepmother.

    Relegated to living in the servants’ quarters, Cinderella now does the household’s laundry and seamstress work all while being mocked by her stepsisters, who further make her life difficult by having fun at Cinderella’s expense. The only happiness Cinderella finds are in her brief journeys to the fabric market, which give her a taste of the friendship and happiness that she longs for and deserves.

    At the palace, the prince, who has yet to find his princess, is reluctantly persuaded to host a royal ball in hopes that his future princess might attend. Everyone in the kingdom is invited to the ball, including Cinderella and her family, however, the stepsisters destroy Cinderella’s dress so that she is unable to attend. Fortunately, thanks to some magic from her fairy godmother and fellow fairies, Cinderella is transformed and attends the royal ball.

  • At the ball, the prince is bored by all the visiting princesses vying for his attention and, naturally, horrified by the stepsisters' obnoxious attempts to dance with him. Finally, Cinderella arrives and the prince is captivated by her beauty and personality. They dance together and all seems to be right in the world, until the clock strikes twelve! Cinderella begins to lose her magic dress, shoes and jewelry and, embarrassed, runs off into the night. Finding a shoe that Cinderella left behind, the prince vows to try it on every lady in the kingdom until he finds the mysterious visitor, Cinderella.

  • After visiting every princess and lady in the kingdom who attended the ball, the prince finally arrives at the house of Cinderella and her step family. Of course, Cinderella is not initially allowed to try on the shoe, and instead the sisters desperately try to squeeze into the shoe themselves. Finally, Cinderella finds the courage to make herself seen, the shoe fits, and the rest is history….

Synopsis

Discussion with Artistic Directors

Were there any challenges in creating Cinderella?

One of the biggest challenges creating Cinderella was the magic scene, in which Cinderella’s dress magically transforms into a ball gown and her carriage is magically transfigured on stage.

Traditionally the dress change has been done with Cinderella leaving the stage and changing as quickly as possible—not very magical. So, we decided that we wanted Cinderella’s dress to magically transform in front of the audience’s eyes. This took some special dress engineering from our costume designer and creator Terry Worley (Tutu Terry) and input from Martha, who had created the role of Cinderella as a principal dancer in Northern Ballet where they, too, magically change dresses on stage. The result is a magical dress change that gets audience applause every time.

Why was Cinderella selected for Southern California Ballet’s spring ballet repertoire?

Cinderella is a story that almost everyone already knows, making it a great choice for a ballet. Choreographing a story like Cinderella allows us to create a ballet that enhances what the audience already knows about the story without worrying too much about the audience keeping up. The narrative of SCB’s Cinderella moves quickly and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

The second reason for choosing Cinderella is the beautiful music by Serge Prokofiev, one of the greatest ballet composers in history.

Ballet dancers performing on a stage with blue curtains and a castle-like backdrop, one dancer is kneeling while the other is doing an arabesque.
Stage scene from a ballet performance featuring a man in white, and five women in colorful costumes, with laundry hanging above them. One woman is pulling another by the arm while the others react expressively.
A dancer in a brown dress and headscarf performs on stage with laundry hanging on a line behind her.
Stage scene with six actors in colorful costumes, laundry hanging on a line above, and one actor sitting on a stool.
A group of ballet dancers performing on stage in period costumes with a village scene backdrop.
Ballet dancers performing on stage in colorful costumes with a stage background featuring curtains and a crest or emblem.
Stage scene from a ballet or theatrical production featuring six actors in colorful 18th-century style costumes with a laundry line with hanging clothes in the background.
Four ballet dancers on stage, wearing tutus and costumes, with one dressed as a queen or princess wearing a costume with a crown, performing a dance.
A ballerina in costume sitting on the stage floor with a wicker basket and a flower arrangement, before a painted backdrop of trees and foliage.
Two ballet dancers performing on a stage, with laundry hanging on a clothesline in the background.
Four women performing a dance routine on stage, with laundry hanging on a clothesline in the background.
Four women dressed in vintage pajamas and robes perform a ballet on stage, with laundry hanging in the background.
Group of six women in vintage costumes standing around a basket of pink and white flowers on a dark stage, with one woman holding a pink flower, illuminated by a spotlight.
The scene shows a group of girls in historical costumes performing a dance or play on a stage decorated with colorful fabrics and flowers, resembling a traditional or fairy tale setting.
Actors dressed in colorful costumes performing on stage, holding ribbons and prop flowers, with a scenic backdrop of a tavern and rocky landscape.
Actors performing on stage behind a pink folding screen, one whispering to the other.
Two ballet dancers in pink costumes performing on stage with laundry hanging on a clothesline above them.
A ballet dancer dressed as a princess, wearing a tiara, performing on stage with laundry hanging on a clothesline above her.
Ballet dancer in white tutu performing on stage with laundry hanging on a line above her.
A ballerina in a green tutu performing on stage with a dark background.
Ballet dancer on stage wearing a colorful tutu with orange, yellow, and purple hues, performing a dance pose with arms raised and platform shoes on stage.
Three ballet dancers on stage in costumes, with a backdrop of a folding screen, during a performance.
Ballet performance on stage featuring young girls in white tutus and adult women in colorful costumes, with some girls sitting and others standing, under dark stage lighting.
Ballet performance on stage with a large moon backdrop, featuring young dancers in colorful costumes and a fairy tale theme.
Five ballet dancers performing on stage in colorful tutus and costumes.
A group of ballet dancers on stage dressed in period costumes with colorful skirts, posing with arms raised in front of a blue backdrop with curtains, chandeliers, and a large moon projection.
A group of ballet dancers in colorful costumes on stage, with some standing and other kneeling, performing a scene in a theatrical production with a royal or historical theme.
Group of children in costumes performing on stage in a ballet or theatrical play, with costumes resembling fairy tale characters, against a backdrop with blue curtains and a painted set.
Ballet dancers perform on stage with a male dancer gesturing towards a female dancer in a pink tutu. The background features blue curtains and a paneled wall with heraldic insignias.
Ballet dancers on stage dressed in colorful period costumes, performing in a line with a blue backdrop and crest at the top.
Ballet dancers perform on stage in historical costumes with blue backdrop and coat of arms.
A ballerina and a male dancer perform on a stage with blue curtains and a large window backdrop. The ballerina wears a white tutu, a tiara, and pointe shoes, while the male dancer is dressed in white tights and a light blue shirt with a vest.
Two ballet dancers performing on stage, with the male dancer reaching out to the female dancer who is wearing a tutu, in front of blue curtains and a large window.
Tutu ballet dance of a male and female dancer on stage with blue curtains in the background.
A ballet performance on stage with dancers in elegant costumes, some in pastel dresses and others in formal attire, with a decorated set resembling a royal or noble setting, including a large banner with a heraldic emblem and throne-like decorations.
Ballet dancer on stage performing a high kick, wearing a light-colored costume, with laundry hanging from a line above.
Actors in colorful costumes performing a scene on stage.
Stage performance with five people dressed in elaborate costumes, with laundry hanging above on a line, dark background, colorful costumes, and theatrical poses.
Four children performing a theatrical play on stage, dressed in colorful costumes, with laundry hanging above them.
A theatrical stage scene with four actors dressed in colorful, vintage-style costumes. One actor stands on the left, while three others are seated or standing on the right, engaging in a dramatic moment. There are laundry items hanging on a clothesli
A young girl sitting on a stage floor with a broom in her hand, wearing a headscarf, yellow blouse, brown skirt, and white tights, with laundry hanging on a line behind her.
Ballet performer peeking out from behind a wardrobe with costumes, with laundry hanging on a clothesline against a dark stage background.
Three girls performing on stage during a dance or theater performance with costumes, one sitting on the floor and two standing, against a black background with laundry hanging on a line.
A woman in a pink satin gown with black makeup and a pink headband performing on stage, with a white dress hanging on a folding room divider in the background.
A group of performers dressed in colorful costumes dancing on stage, with a backdrop depicting a village scene with houses and mountains.
Ballet dancers performing on stage with a painted village scene background. One dancer is mid-leap with arms raised and a big smile, while another stands with hands on hips. Other dancers are in the background, observing or preparing.
Young girls dressed in historical costumes on stage during a theatrical performance, with one girl receiving flowers and a gift from another.
Ballet cast performing on stage with a painted village and castle backdrop, dressed in colorful period costumes.
A ballet dancer in costume standing beside a pink tutu dress on a mannequin, with stage props and set design around, during a stage performance.
Two young ballet dancers in pink costumes standing on stage with laundry hanging on a clothesline behind them.
Stage scene from a theatrical play with four women in colorful costumes, laundry hanging on a line, and a pink dress on a mannequin, a woman sitting on a chair, and a fireplace with a lit candle.
Ballet dancer performing on stage with laundry hanging on a line, set with a laundry area and a lit candle, with a person in costume sitting nearby.
Three ballerinas in costumes performing on stage, with one dressed as a princess in a pink tutu and tiara, and the other two in period-inspired dresses.
A ballerina wearing a blue tutu and pointe shoes performs on stage with arms extended, a tiara on her head, and a dark background.
Ballet dancers perform on stage with a dark background. Some dancers are standing, some sitting, and one holding a prop. The dancers wear costumes with tutus, tiaras, and ballet slippers.
Ballet dancers on stage, some bowing and clapping, with a blue curtain backdrop.
Ballet dancers performing on stage with a backdrop of large windows, blue curtains, and decorative banners, in a theatrical setting.
Young girl dressed as a princess in a light blue gown with puffy sleeves, a full skirt, pearl necklace, and tiara, standing on stage against a dark background.
Ballet dancers on stage, a woman in a blue tutu and tiara being lifted by a man in white costume, in a theater with blue curtains and windows in the background.
Ballet performance with young dancers, including a girl in a blue tutu and tiara, and another in a gray and white costume, on stage with a curtain backdrop and a crest with a lion and shields.

Alice in Wonderland

A fantastical ballet in two acts

This ballet’s story follows Alice through Wonderland and the array of characters she meets. The ballet is the most modern of the three spring shows, with special effects, outlandish costumes, and fantastical scenery.

Alice in Wonderland choreography uses classical technique with modern twists and style to tell the often strange story of Alice’s journey through Wonderland.

Synopsis

View PDF

Discussion with Artistic Directors

Were there any challenges in creating Alice in Wonderland?

Alice in Wonderland presented many challenges, with the biggest hurdle being the size of the scenery and the production’s multiple technical aspects—projections, multiple large flying scenic pieces, and special effects. To that extent, Alice was by far the most technically challenging ballet we have created, so much so that we booked an extra day in the theater to allow us the time to make sure that it all worked. Even with this extra day, the show only came together shortly before the premiere performance.

Why was Alice in Wonderland selected for Southern California Ballet’s spring ballet repertoire?

Using the story of Alice in Wonderland for a brand new ballet allowed our imaginations to run free and create a ballet without the limitations of reality. It challenged us to think outside the box to create our very own wonderland. The result is fun, colorful and spectacular. Optical illusions make scenery grow and shrink, and the whimsical characters, many of whom are anthropomorphic, allow us to really get creative with designs.

A ballet dancer performing on stage with dramatic lighting highlighting her pose, wearing a blue and white costume.
A girl in a blue dress dancing in front of a large, vibrant red door with a golden doorknob, with her shadow cast on the floor.
A young girl dressed as a mime, wearing a black hat, black jacket, white gloves, and white knee-high socks, standing on a stage with a blue background and pointing downward.
A theatrical performance featuring seven actors in colorful costumes on stage, with a blue backdrop and a large prop resembling a leaf or shell.
People in colorful costumes performing a theatrical play on stage, with one person standing on a prop, others crouching behind, against a blue backdrop.
Stage performance with children in costumes, one child standing facing others who are on a prop resembling a whale, with a blue sky backdrop.
Three women in colorful costumes on stage, with two dressed as clowns and one dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, engaged in a theatrical performance.
Ballet dancers on stage, two dressed as characters from 'Pinkalicious,' and one in a blue and white costume executing a ballet pose
Three women dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz performing on stage, with a blue backdrop, during a theatrical dance or play.
A ballet dancer performing a movement on stage, dressed in a blue and white costume, standing on pointe with one leg extended behind her.
A performer in a shiny blue costume with a matching headpiece dances on stage next to their large, glowing blue mushroom prop, surrounded by fog.
A female performer in a shiny blue costume with a matching headpiece is on stage in a leaping or crawling position, with a dark background and stage fog.
Two performers dressed in blue costumes on a stage with a large blue mushroom prop, with a dark backdrop and top green foliage.
Two dancers performing a ballet on stage, one in a blue and white dress watching as the other, dressed as a rabbit, leaps through the air.
Ballet dancers on stage in colorful costumes, performing in a fairy-tale forest setting with large hanging flower props and painted trees in the background.
Ballet dancers perform on stage in fairy costume with a forest backdrop and a large yellow chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Ballet dancers on stage in colorful tutus, performing a dance routine with a dark forest backdrop.
Five ballet dancers in colorful tutus performing on stage with a large flower prop in the background.
Three ballerinas in blue tutus and ballet slippers performing on stage with a dark backdrop.
Four young ballerinas dressed in colorful tutus and greenery costumes on stage, with potted plants and large flower props as stage decorations.
Ballet dancers in colorful tutus performing on stage with a painted forest backdrop and large stylized flowers hanging above.
Ballet dancers on stage, with one dancer in a yellow tutu performing a split leap, surrounded by six dancers in purple and blue tutus.
Ballet dancers performing on stage with two dancers in center performing a split leap, wearing tutu costumes with floral accents, and surrounded by other dancers in pastel tutus.
Ballet dancers on stage performing in colorful costumes, with a forest backdrop and large yellow floral decoration overhead.
Ballet dancers in colorful costumes on stage with large flower props.
A girl in a blue and white dress stands on stage with her arms outstretched, facing a black background with blue neon arrows and handwritten signs indicating directions: 'Over here', 'That way', and 'This way'.
A dancer on stage with a dark background, surrounded by blue chalk-like directional arrows and labels pointing in various directions, including 'Over here,' 'Which way,' 'That way,' 'This way,' and 'Must go'.
Two children dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland stand beside a table with a large white cake. The girl has red hair and is wearing a red coat, striped pants, and a large black hat. The boy has curly hair and is dressed in a checkered shir
A woman with a large teacup costume, with her face visible through the cup's opening, at a decorated table with a checkered tablecloth, cakes, and tea accessories, set against a backdrop of heart and duck-shaped decorations.
Two performers dressed as whimsical characters on stage during a theatrical play, with a table decorated with a checkered tablecloth, teapots, teacups, and a large tiered cake in the background, and a Ferris wheel with red heart decorations.
Three dancers in colorful costumes performing on stage with a backdrop of green bushes, a tea table with a checkered cloth, large cups, and a fairy tale scenery with cards and hearts.
Two performers dressed as clowns are sitting at a table with a blue checkered tablecloth, drinking from small cups. The table has a large white teapot shape decoration with a tiered cake on top, framed by a wooden structure with hanging red hearts. T
Three actors performing in a theatrical production of Alice in Wonderland. They are on stage around a table with a large teapot and cups, with a backdrop decorated with hearts and trees. The actress in the middle is smiling, while the other two are m
Ballet dancer dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz performing on stage, with a backdrop of greenery and hearts.
Ballet dancer in a blue and cream dress performing on stage, balancing on one foot with arms extended, against a dark green leafy backdrop.
A ballet dancer in a costume performs on stage with a backdrop of a large ferris wheel decorated with playing cards and red heart shapes.
A young ballerina in a light blue and white costume performing a dance on stage, with a backdrop of greenery and a blue curtain.
Ballet dancers dressed as playing cards performing on stage with a girl in a blue dress sitting in front, during a theatrical dance performance.
Ballet dancers on stage dressed in colorful costumes performing a dance routine with one girl sitting on the stage in the bottom left corner, stage set with a large green backdrop and a structure on the right side.
Ballet dancers in colorful costumes performing on stage with green hedge backdrop and blue sky background.
Two ballet performers on stage, one kneeling and the other standing, dressed in costumes inspired by the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, holding red cards and engaging in a theatrical scene.
Ballet dancer performing a leap on stage, wearing a white and yellow costume, with stage curtains and a blue set piece in the background.
Ballet dancer performing in a costume inspired by a playing card, with a black and white design featuring spade symbols, on stage with a blue backdrop.
Ballet dancers on stage, some dressed as playing cards from Alice in Wonderland, with a woman in a red gown and tiara performing a dance as part of a stage performance.
Young performers on stage in a ballet or theatrical production with a Valentine’s Day theme, with a green leafy background, large red hearts, and children dressed in costumes resembling playing cards and a princess
Ballet dancers on stage, with two main dancers in red costumes, one in a princess-like dress and crown, and the other in a smaller costume with a white wig, surrounded by dancers in heart-themed costumes holding hearts, with a green hedge backdrop an
Ballet dancers dressed as playing cards and a princess on stage during a performance.
A ballerina in a red tutu and matching bodice, wearing a heart-shaped tiara, poses on stage with others dressed in Valentine-themed costumes holding heart props, against a backdrop of greenery.
Ballet dancers on stage, one girl in a red tutu and crown, holding a fan, surrounded by others in playing card costumes with hearts, set in a theatrical performance.
Children performing on stage in a theatrical dance or play, dressed in costumes resembling animals and heart-themed characters, with a backdrop of greenery and blue sky.
Performers on stage in a ballet production; one in a red tutu holding a flamingo prop, others dressed as playing cards and animals.
Ballet dancers performing on stage with a red background and heart-shaped props above. The dancers are dressed in colorful costumes, some in animal or fantasy-themed outfits.
Ballet dancers in colorful costumes performing on stage with a dark red background and green foliage backdrop.