Coppélia (sometimes referred to as The Girl with the Enamel Eyes) is a sentimental comic love story which will delight the whole family with its humor and charm.
Set in a small European village, this beloved ballet tells the story of an eccentric inventor, Doctor Coppélius. Franz, a young villager, becomes infatuated with the mysterious girl sitting on the balcony of Doctor Coppélius’s house. Franz doesn’t know that the mysterious girl is a doll whom the toymaker is trying to bring to life. Swanhilda, who is engaged to Franz, decides to sneak into Dr. Coppélius’s house with her friends where she discovers the mysterious girl is a doll. She decides to show Franz his folly by dressing as the doll and pretending to come to life. Love triumphs over all and the story ends with joyful celebration of the lovers’ wedding.

EPSG:4326

Coppélia

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.

The Nutcracker

Festival Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker, part of Children’s Invitation to the Ballet, was specially designed to introduce elementary and junior high school students to the beauty of classical ballet and music.

Nutcracker for Schools

Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

RCOC Sensory Friendly Holiday Showcase

Festival Ballet Theatre’s lavish 45-minute, narrated rendition of The Nutcracker is specially designed to introduce young children to the beauty of classical ballet and music.

Narrated Nutcracker for Children & Families

Huntington Beach Central Library

Experience an unforgettable night of dance at the 14th Annual Gala of the Stars. This unique event boasts an incredible roster of world-renowned ballet stars from internationally-acclaimed ballet companies and Festival Ballet Theatre alumni stars, whose talent will be complemented by select, inspired young ballet protégés. Current and future stars will share the stage in one unprecedented spectacular performance.

This year marks a milestone for Festival Ballet Theatre and its official ballet school, Southland Ballet Academy. Festival Ballet Theatre, Orange County’s premier non-profit ballet company, celebrates its 35th anniversary and Southland Ballet Academy celebrates its 40th anniversary.

A special demonstration of the talented next generation and ballet protégés. This program is the culmination of 2 weeks of intensive ballet training designed for the inspired young dancer. These hand-picked young dancers are offered the rare opportunity to be very closely seen and guided by esteemed internationally well-known artistic directors and ballet masters including Christopher Powney, Artistic Director of Royal Ballet School, Larissa Saveliev and Gennadi Saveliev, Youth America Grand Prix Founders and Artistic Directors as well as Southland Ballet Academy’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and esteemed faculty.

Gala Of The Stars

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Each June Southland Ballet Academy students perform in a recital to showcase their talents before their families and friends. The performance includes darling dances from our youngest dancers to advanced levels students executing demanding choreography.

Southland Ballet Academy Student Recitals

Set to Tchaikovsky’s elegantly moving score, Swan Lake is the story of young Prince Seigfried and Odette, the Swan Queen who is doomed to be a swan by day and a young woman by night. Swan Lake’s spectacular beauty, power and grace reminds us all of the transformative power of love. This beloved classical ballet is choreographed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and features renowned guest artists Ana Sophia Scheller and Gareth Haw in the lead roles.

Festival Ballet Theatre

27 - 28 Apr, 2024

Coppélia

9 - 24 Dec, 2023

The Nutcracker

Dec 8, 2023

Nutcracker for Schools

Dec 8, 2023

RCOC Sensory Friendly Holiday Showcase

2 - 3 Dec, 2023

Narrated Nutcracker for Children & Families

Festival Ballet Theatre

Events by genre

Chamber Music

Choral

Film in Concert

Opera in Concert

Oratorio

Artists & Creators

Bass-baritones

Conductors

Pianists

Sopranos

Stage Director

Violinists

Ensembles & Organizations

Ballet Companies

Festivals

Opera Companies

Orchestras

Performing Arts Series

Theatre Companies

Cities

Berkeley

Los Angeles

Sacramento

San Diego

San Francisco

San Jose

Santa Barbara

About

Artists

Ticket Conversion

Marketing Tools

Audience Growth

Contact Us