Cape Town City Ballet brings youth production of ‘Coppélia’ to Athlone
Forty young dancers from Dance for All and the Eoan Group will perform alongside Cape Town City Ballet artists in an abridged ‘Coppélia’ at Athlone’s Joseph Stone Auditorium on 19 September 2026, with shows at noon and 3pm.
The Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) is set to bring a youth production of the classic ballet Coppélia to Athlone, showcasing aspiring young dancers alongside professional performers. The special performances will be held at the Joseph Stone Auditorium on Saturday, September 19, at noon and 3pm. This collaboration between CTCB and 40 young dancers from Dance for All and the Eoan Group highlights the ballet company's commitment to youth development initiatives.
The project, a reworked version of Coppélia with additional choreography by former CAPAB dancers Nicolette Loxton and Mervyn Williams, aims to build technical skills, boost confidence, and share the magic of ballet with the local community. The cast has been under the guidance of Loxton and Williams for the past three months, with each dancer working on expanded group ensemble pieces and lively solo routines.
The young cast members share their excitement and growth since rehearsals began. Eoan Group dancer Luca Oks found joy in exploring contrasting dance styles, while fellow dancer Babalo Simon appreciated the production's focus on patience and teamwork. For the debut performances, CTCB artists Shaun Ntshangana, Alexia Munn, Bethany Reynders, Luke Wragg, Fanelo Ndweni, and Sinethemba Wisani take on key roles, with Elvis Mcebisi Nonjeke providing narration.
Together, they aim to captivate audiences of all ages with the timeless tale of Swanhilda and her mysterious wooden doll captivated by Dr Coppelius.
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