North Dakota Ballet Company presents "Coppelia" More than 100 local dancers, ages 3-30, will take part in the North Dakota Ballet Company's classical ballet production of "Coppelia." This timeless ballet is about a young couple in love and their battle between idealism and realism. The ballet premiered in 1870 at the Paris Opera and has brought joy to audiences for over 140 years. This fun and comedic ballet was one of the first ballets to feature dolls coming to life. It was partly because of "Coppelia's" success that other ballets, such as the Nutcracker and Petrushka, have dolls that come to life in them. The ballet is about a girl named Coppelia who sits on her balcony all day reading, speaking to no one. A boy named Franz falls deeply in love with her and wants to marry her, even though he is already engaged. His fiance, Swanhilda, sees Franz throwing kisses at Coppelia. Swanhilda soon learns that Coppelia is actually a doll that belongs to Doctor Coppelius, the mad scientist. She decides to impersonate the doll to win the love of Franz. Chaos ensues, but all is soon forgiven. Coppelia and Franz make up and get married. The marriage is celebrated with several festive dances. The production will take place at the Empire Arts Center at 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 23, and 2 p.m. Jan. 24. Tickets are $12 and are available through Ticketmaster, as well as at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before each production and tickets will go on-sale at the box office one hour before each show. A special school show will be held for local elementary schools at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22. Participating schools will be provided with full school curriculums, as well as a special meet and greet with performers. Interested schools should contact Andrea Polries at ndballetandrea@aol.com. -- Laura Dvorak-Berry, Executive Director, North Dakota Ballet Company, ndballet@aol.com, 701-746-6044