Shoreline twins dance in Olympic Ballet production of Coppélia

Coppélia in two performances by Olympic Ballet

Olympic Ballet Directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev present the much adored comedic ballet, Coppelia, at the Edmonds Center for the Arts and the Everett Performing Arts Center. 

Choreographed by Vinson and Gorboulev in 2011, the ballet is set in an Eastern European village where an eccentric doll maker, Dr. Coppelius, is busily scurrying about in his efforts to bring his beloved doll to life. 

Meanwhile Swanhilda, a village maiden, catches her boyfriend flirting with a beautiful girl on Dr. Coppelius' balcony and sets out to find out more about this mysterious maiden. Comedy ensues as Swanhilda finds out the girl's true identity and decides to teach everyone a lesson or two by impersonating this "mysterious maiden."

Former Principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ms. Vinson starred in Olympic Ballet Theatre's premiere of Coppelia, and reprises the role of Swanhilda for OBT's spring performances. Starring in another title role will be Co-Artistic Director Oleg Gorboulev, as Dr. Coppelius. Though both have danced leading roles together numerous times, this will be the first time that they will both appear on stage together since becoming directors of OBT in 2011. 

OBT featured dancers include Holly and Claire Christensen, 15 year old identical twins from Shoreline. Holly dances the roles of Swanhilda’s friend, as well as one of the brides from the four wedding couples in the third act. Claire, also one of Swanhilda’s friends, dances the Spinner variation in the third act. Both girls recently participated in the internationally recognized Youth America Grand Prix competition and were selected to compete in the final round to be held in New York in April.

There will be two performances only; the production will open March 29, 2pm at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, and close at the Everett Performing Arts Center on April 5th, 2pm. Everett patrons will be treated to live musical accompaniment by the 20 member OBT orchestra, arranged by Jeanne Case of the Seattle Symphony, and conducted by David Alexander Rahbee, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Washington School of Music.

For tickets and more information, visit OBT's website, or call 425-774-7570.

Located at 700 Main Street in Edmonds, Olympic Ballet Theatre offers a thriving professionally oriented ballet company which promotes dance as a creative performing art and engages the widest possible audiences with a stimulating repertoire of classical, contemporary and dramatic ballets.