WATCH: Mini documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of ballet production at CCM

UC's College-Conservatory of Music equips students for successful careers in the performing and media arts through professionally focused, immersive training. In a new short film created by CCM Recording Productions, viewers can watch as students learn by doing while working on the April 2025 production of the classic ballet Coppélia.

Follow along with CCM Dance students Celeste Lau (BFA Ballet, ’25) and Regina Murphy (BFA Ballet, ’25), who play both Swanhilda and Coppélia, switching roles on different nights of the production. Watch the "Bearcat Ballet" mini-documentary below.

Finished the "Bearcat Ballet" mini-doc? Viewers can also watch a full performance of Coppélia on demand. Originally presented April 3-6 in Corbett Auditorium, the April 4 performance of the ballet is now available for on-demand viewing.

Coppélia tells the story of Swanilda, her fiancé Franz, the eccentric inventor Dr. Coppélius, and the life-like doll Coppélia, who captures Franz's eye ... and causes quite the stir. The ballet was originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon and restaged by Marius Petipa. Coppélia is set to the music of Léo Delibes, with libretto by Charles-Louis-Étienne Nuitter. First performed in 1870, this light-hearted ballet blends graceful choreography with theatrical storytelling in a performance perfect for all ages.

Wath the April 4 performance of Coppélia below.

Directed by CCM Dance Department Chair Shauna Steele, this production featured restaging and principal choreography by faculty members Isabele Elefson and Tricia Sundbeck, with additional choreography and coaching by faculty members Thomas Bell and Gema Diaz Lommer.

Coppélia featured costume design by Steele and fellow CCM faculty member Regina Truhart with costume shop graduate assistance from CCM student Maura Kesterson, scenic design by CCM student Taylor Helms, lighting design by CCM student Ben Niemczyk, sound design by CCM student Lucia Thill, production stage management by CCM student Jordan Shaw, props management by CCM student Ella Stumpf and technical direction by CCM student Morgan Terry.

The ballet's score was performed live by the CCM Concert Orchestra, conducted by faculty member Aik Khai Pung.

Featured image at the top: CCM Dance Department students Regina Murphy (BFA Ballet, ’25) and Celeste Lau (BFA Ballet, ’25) pose together in a still image from the mini-documentary about CCM's Spring 2025 production of Coppélia.