In 1980, Columbia City Ballet, now South Carolina Ballet, presented Coppélia under the artistic direction of company founder Ann Brodie. Filmed at the Township and Manning High School, this recording is preserved in SCETV’s ETV Classics collection, offering audiences an opportunity to revisit an earlier chapter of the company’s history. South Carolina ETV
Set to Léo Delibes’s score, the three-act comic ballet follows Swanhilda and her wandering-eyed sweetheart, Franz, whose fascination with a beautiful young woman takes an unexpected turn: the object of his affection is a mechanical doll. At the center of the confusion is the mysterious Dr. Coppélius, a dollmaker determined to bring his creation to life. South Carolina ETV
The production features Karen Gibbons-Brown as Swanhilda, guest artist William Starrett as Franz, and Wally Rodriguez as Dr. Coppélius. For today’s audiences, the recording offers a particularly interesting connection to the company’s future: Starrett’s appearance came six years before he became Artistic Director in 1986. Here, the focus is on his work as a performer, bringing the young Franz to life through dance and characterization. South Carolina ETV
Beyond the performance, the program includes reflections on the characters and the demands of their roles. Starrett discusses challenging himself with difficult variations and the stamina required for the finale. These conversations offer a closer understanding of the concentration and physical effort behind a ballet whose comedy depends on appearing effortless. PBS
The broadcast also looks at the company beyond the stage, touching on its apprentice dancers, volunteer technical support, and commitment to introducing children to ballet. Together, these moments document both a production and the community that helped make it possible. PBS
For those who remember the performance, this is an invitation to revisit it. For newer audiences, it is an opportunity to encounter the artists and personalities behind an earlier era of the company.
Watch the Performance
Coppélia (1980) is available through SCETV’s ETV Classics on PBS and the PBS app. The program runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, 30 seconds, with closed captions available.
