Coppélia: A Holiday Ballet Tradition Returns!

The State Ballet of Rhode Island Artistic Director Herci Marsden Presents Coppélia

Celebrate the holiday season with The State Ballet of Rhode Island’s Coppélia, a beloved Rhode Island tradition since 1962!

Filled with laughter, love, mischief, and life-sized dancing dolls, this charming classical ballet is a delightful experience for the whole family, recommended for ages 5 and up.

One Show Only: Saturday, December 12, 2026

Join us at 2:00 PM at Roberts Hall Auditorium, Rhode Island College, Providence.

Tickets are $40 per person, all fees included, with ample free parking available.

Special “Pay What You Can” Dress Rehearsal

Friday, December 11, at 10:00 AM

Discover the magic behind the performance! Learn about the ballet’s story, music, costumes, scenery, and the art of storytelling through dance. You’ll even have the opportunity to meet the dancers and ask questions.

Admission is “Pay What You Can”, making this a wonderful educational experience for families, students, and ballet enthusiasts.

For reservations and information, call 401-334-2560.

Experience the magic of Coppélia this holiday season!

Did You Know?

Coppelia was first performed by SBRI in the State of RI in 1962 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. At that time founding prima ballerina Herci Marsden danced the role of Swanhilda.

Learn more about our legacy.

SBRI holds true to the art form of classical ballet, preserving culture and tradition in motion. Many of the costumes worn, the props carried, and the scenery hung are decades old. The story of Coppélia is historic, as it was performed for the first time in Paris in 1870. New dancers, costumes, and audience members come with each passing year–and these fresh aspects blend with the traditional to become a masterpiece of creating, presenting and preserving this production for past and future generations of ballet lovers.