I like dolls who dance

Last night my friend Rachael and I went to see the Washington Ballet's production of Coppelia. It was so pretty! The dancing, the costumes, the set. I loved it.

Coppelia is the story of a toymaker named Coppelius who makes a life size doll, who he names Coppelia. He thinks she's special, and he wants her to come to life. At the same time, the town is having a festival, and Fritz and Swanilda are supposed to get married. Fritz sees Coppelia in her window, and he's smitten. Swanilda gets jealous, and she breaks into Coppelius's house, and makes him think she is Coppelia come to life. In the third act, Fritz realizes it's Swanilda he loves, and they get married, and there is much merriment and dancing had by all.

While I was watching the ballet, I was imagining what it must be like to be a ballerina. I wonder what kind of life you lead? And what happens when you retire? Maybe you teach. And how do they stand on their toes like that? I was worried they were going to collapse their ankles, but none did! It's amazing, really. They make it look effortless but I'm sure it's quite hard work.