NCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Sierra Nevada Ballet (SNB) presents ballet’s beloved full-length comic masterpiece, Coppélia (The Girl with the Emerald Eyes), July 25 and 27, 2026.
As a nod to Artown, SNB has made the July 25th performance at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts FREE! The July 27th performance is part of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival under the stars on the scenic shore of Lake Tahoe at San Harbor.
Coppélia tells the story of Franz and Swanhilda, two lovers who are engaged, but struggle as Franz becomes attracted to Coppélia – a doll invented by Dr. Coppélius – who Franz does not realize is a doll. This enchanting story tests the devotion of the heroine and her suitor through the romantic intrigue of a beautiful, lifeless doll whose quiet, mechanical grace contrasts with the vibrant spirit of the real-life heroine. Adapted from Der Sandmann by E. T. A. Hoffmann, this tale of mischief, magical illusion, and wandering love is choreographed by SNB Founding Director Rosine Bena and Associate Artistic Director Ananda Bena-Weber.
Coppelia’s heroine will be danced by SNB popular principal female dancer, Sara Weir, and its hero by SNB guest artist, Max Berg. Berg, who is a two-time Prix de Lausanne candidate, a YAGP Finalist, a USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) Semi-Finalist, and a South African International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) Gold Medalist, is presently with the Sarasota Ballet and has performed leading roles including Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake and the Cavalier in The Nutcracker. His contemporary repertoire includes several wonderful works, including Echad Mi Yodea by Ohad Naharin, Bolero by Shahar Binyamini, and Rossini Cards by Mauro Bigonzetti, which he has performed internationally.
Guest soloist Michael Bushman will also perform in Coppelia. Bushman is an award-winning professional dancer who was trained in both ballet and ballroom. He has danced professionally with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet West, and the Diablo Ballet.
In addition to the leads, Coppelia features stunning sets and costumes and showcases a cast of more than 40 dancers from the Sierra Nevada Ballet.
There are two exciting performances of this hilarious classic ballet, perfect for the whole family, that will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet.
July 25 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno
Tickets: FREE SHOW
July 27 at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor
Tickets: https:// https://laketahoeshakespeare.com/showcase-series/
Sierra Nevada Ballet is a 501c3 organization that has been performing in northern Nevada since 2001.
