REVIEW Body language tells the story in 'Coppelia'

A young couple reveal their emotions in this delightful story ballet.
By NANCILYNN GATTA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Watching the performance of the ballet "Coppelia" Saturday at Powers Auditorium was like seeing a painting come to life. The Ohio Ballet production was in collaboration with Ballet Jorgen and Hong Kong Ballet.
The dancers portray their emotions and tell their story via their facial expressions, the choreography and their relationship to the music. The ballet centers around a doll, Coppelia, that comes to life.
It is also the tale of an engaged couple, Nathanael and Klara, and the effect that the doll has on their relationship. When Nathanael sees the doll sitting on the balcony of Dr. Coppelius' lab, he believes that he is in love with her.
The set design is simple yet intriguing. It is very open with five separate raised areas. Each has steps leading to a small platform. They are outlined in four large geometric shapes, which enable the company dancers to remain onstage, while being out of the main action. The set and geometric accents on the costumes call to mind an abstract painting.
Eva Trapp as Klara and Toby George as Nathanael are very believable in their portrayal of a couple in love who are dealing with a conflict in their relationship. Trapp is especially good when Klara is upset by Nathanael's behavior, stomping her foot and expressing her anger.
Each pas de deux by Trapp and George is choreographed to fit the music, but also the emotions of the young couple toward each other during the telling of the story.
When Klara is upset with Nathanael, her turns are away from him, and her movements are more stilted. Nathanael's sweeping movements of leaps and turns similar to the stroke of a paintbrush are in seeking attention from Coppelia and Klara. He believes if he turns on the charm, Klara will fall back into his arms. He is surprised and hurt when he holds his arms open and she doesn't go into them.
Action
During the second act Klara slips into Dr. Coppelius' lab to challenge her rival. She discovers other toys in residence including a red and black clothed doll, which resembled a member of The B-52's (a New Wave rock group) with her beehive hairdo.
Dr. Coppelius (Damien Highfield) appears with Nathanael, hoping to bring Coppelia to life with Nathanael's life energy. Klara has already switched costumes with Coppelia. Her jerky, robotic, straight leg movements are humorous as she fools the scientist to the enjoyment of the audience. When he learns that Klara was portraying his doll, the scientist competes with Nathanael for her affections. Her true love wins out.
During their reconciliation and the acknowledgment of their love pas de deux, Klara's steps turns into Nathanael's embrace and she is lifted high in the air as part of the choreography, in a visual celebration of their high emotions.
"Coppelia" delighted the audience of all ages, and if the crowd reaction was any indication, Ohio Ballet chose the right piece for their first story ballet performance here.