Bringing Coppélia to Life: Anneke De Jong’s Full-Circle Moment at Canyon Concert Ballet

For Anneke De Jong, Coppélia has always held a special place in her heart. Her first experience with live ballet came at just four years old, when she watched Coppélia performed by her hometown studio in Stillwater, Minnesota. The vivid colors, lively mime, and joyful dancing made a lasting impression. She remembers being captivated by the laughter and lightheartedness on stage—an experience that would plant the seed for her lifelong love of ballet.

Now, years later, Anneke comes full circle as the director of Canyon Concert Ballet’s upcoming student-led production of Coppélia. For her, this whimsical ballet represents more than just a beloved classic—it’s an opportunity to pass along that same sense of wonder and joy to a new generation of dancers.

In addition to directing the production, Anneke continues to juggle her full-time roles as a professional dancer and teacher. Balancing rehearsals, costume planning, props, ticketing, marketing, and even photoshoots alongside her teaching and performing schedule has been a whirlwind. Yet, she finds deep satisfaction in building something for the students—something meaningful that extends beyond the steps in the studio.

Mentorship is at the core of Anneke’s artistic philosophy. She takes great pride in guiding her students, sharing not only her technical knowledge but also the traditions and values passed down from her own teachers. Watching young dancers immerse themselves in a full-length classical ballet—rich in history, storytelling, and artistic nuance—is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

As a dancer herself, Anneke continues to grow and evolve in the studio, always refining her craft. That experience enriches her teaching, allowing her to offer students new insights and fresh approaches to technique and artistry. Her dual perspective—both as performer and instructor—creates a dynamic, ever-evolving classroom experience.

In recent years, Canyon Concert Ballet has undergone significant changes. Amid that transition, Anneke saw an opportunity to create stability and inspiration through this production. Coppélia marks an important moment for the organization: a full-length ballet performed entirely by the students of the school. It is, in every sense, theirs. Anneke hopes this production not only builds confidence and camaraderie but reminds each student that they are a vital part of CCB’s story.

With Coppélia, Anneke De Jong honors her past, celebrates her present, and helps shape the future of ballet in her community. Just as she was once inspired by watching a performance as a young girl, she now brings that same magic to the stage—for her students, and for the audiences who will fall in love with ballet all over again.