From 23 to 27 July, The McDonald College’s Fraser Auditorium was transformed into a sunlit European village as the school’s Classical Ballet students in Years 6 to 12 performed the much-loved ballet Coppélia. Across six performances, audiences were swept into a story of charm, illusion and youthful mischief brought to life with poise and humour.
The ballet follows Swanhilda, her fiancé Franz, and the mysterious Coppélia – a lifelike doll created by the eccentric Dr. Coppélius. With its blend of comedy, romance and ensemble storytelling, Coppélia offers rich opportunities for dancers to extend themselves both technically and theatrically. The McDonald College students embraced this challenge, demonstrating finesse in classical vocabulary while also exploring character, mime and stagecraft.
Guided by Head of Ballet Jane Kesby, the production encouraged dancers to grow beyond the classroom. “This year’s production of Coppélia has been an exciting challenge for all of us, yet so fun and rewarding,” says Kesby. “There is a lot of acting, and the dancers have grown incredibly as they’ve gained self-confidence with their stagecraft, technique and performance quality.”
Productions like Coppélia highlight the distinct approach of The McDonald College. As Australia’s only school to integrate performing arts streams within an academic timetable, the College offers ballet students daily immersion in their craft while balancing the rigour of classroom learning. This model develops not only technical excellence, but also resilience, time management and teamwork – qualities essential for both stage and study.
Performing in a full-length ballet demands more than strong technique. Students must work collaboratively, adapt to multiple casts, and learn how their roles contribute to the larger story. In Coppélia, the corps de ballet, character dances and solo variations all carried weight in building the narrative, giving every performer a meaningful role in the storytelling. For young dancers, this mirrors the realities of company life, where versatility and ensemble awareness are as vital as star turns.
As the curtain fell on Coppélia, it left more than memories of an enchanting story. It affirmed the place of ballet within the College as a training ground, preparing the next generation of dancers for whatever stage they may step onto next.
To find out more about The McDonald College, visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au.
