Centennial State Ballet prepares for spring gala

Centennial State Ballet (CSB), formerly Longmont Dance Theatre, has been in operation for 18 years as the exclusive, pre-professional ballet academy of Longmont, Colorado. CSB is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing classical ballet performances for the community.

CSB is proud to present Coppélia for its spring gala performance on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Coppélia first premiered on May 25, 1870 at the Théâtre Impérial L’Opéra in Paris and is considered the last great ballet of the Romantic era.

The ballet tells the story of mistaken identity and a beautiful mechanical doll. Coppélia leaves young and old alike bemused by the antics of two confused lovers, Swanilda and Franz, as well as the surrounding townspeople.

Longmont’s youth ballet company performs under the direction of Executive Artistic Director Kristin Kingsley and Ballet Mistress Stephanie Tuley. Accompaniment will feature the CSB Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Rick Thomas. The performances also feature guest artists Matthew Helms, Christopher Smidt and Randy Downing.

Centennial State Ballet celebrates its 18th Performance Season in 2015, titled “Adventures of Ballet in Longmont,” and is proud to be a part of the Longmont Arts Community. Coppélia represents the final performance of the 2015-2016 season for the organization, whose mission is to provide live ballet performances to the community.

CSB is home to the Pre-Collegiate Ballet Intensive Program (PBIP), the training ground for CSB performers. Students in the PBIP program receive superior instruction in ballet, pointe, variations, modern, and related disciplines. The students also have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year that serve the Boulder County community. Many of the principal roles in the performance will be filled by students in the PBIP program.

The performance will be held at the Niwot High School auditorium on April 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on May 1, at 1 p.m.

Ticket prices are $17 for students and seniors, and $22 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit longmontdancetheatre.com.