#TBT: Lisa Bolte dancing the Prayer Variation from Coppélia (1990)

November 28, 2001

Many Romantic ballets revolve around tragedy when dealing with love and romance. However, some simply attempt to replicate the joy of dancing, and produce little conflict other than a delayed marriage (Swanilda’s story in Coppélia hardly compares to the trials and tribulations of Odette’s in Swan Lake). Still, beauty remains a major component to all ballets, no matter the conclusion. Arthur St.-Léon’s Coppélia is one of few happy ending ballets of the Romantic era—with the famous Prayer variation as its peaceful promoter.  

 

Former Australian Ballet principal dancer Lisa Bolte dances this variation with a presence that calms the stage with refreshing ease. Her control is impeccable, and her strength allows her body to steadily float throughout the adagio. As a tribute to the best of ballet’s happy endings, Happy #ThrowbackThursday!