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Playbill
Ballet Embody is Maryland’s premiere contemporary ballet company located in Carroll County. Co-founded in 2019 by Emily Runkle and Melissa Lineburg, Ballet Embody produces original classical and contemporary works.
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NOTES ON BALLET EMBODY’S Coppelia + Greatest Hits
This season we embarked on a totally new and exciting adventure- our first ever as a non-profit organization! In recognition of where we've been and in anticipation of where we're going, Melissa and I decided that a celebration of Ballet Embody's next steps was the most appropriate way to celebrate our spring season. We're bringing you our re-imagined classical ballet Coppelia, a cheeky and whimsical nod to all of the lighthearted narrative ballets that we've done before, as well as additional repertoire from our Greatest Hits- pieces that we've loved, evolved, and performed many times over the last 7 years.
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We're thrilled for all of this to culminate in our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Reception on Saturday evening.
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We'd like to thank the Ballet Embody Board of Directors, the Carroll Arts Council, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Marshall Kelly, Arsen Sumbatyan, all of the local businesses who donated to our Reception and especially all of this event's volunteers who donated their precious time to help us make this event possible.
Lastly, I'd like to thank ALL of our dancers- you all are the life-breath of this company...its heart, its depth, and its beauty. Thank you for being your beautiful selves and making this world a more beautiful place.
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Emily Runkle
Artistic Director | Ballet Embody​
Coppélia
Choreography by Emily Runkle and Madison Bonvissuto
Music: Delibes
Set Design: Marshall Kelly
The Story
Act I
Our story begins in a lively village square, where Swanhilda—bright, spirited, and beloved by all—enjoys her place at the heart of the town. One day, however, a mysterious new girl appears out the door of Dr. Coppelius’ workshop. Intrigued and eager to make a new friend, Swanhilda warmly reaches out—only to be met with silence. Hurt and confused, she begins to wonder about the strange girl’s true nature.
Franz, Swanhilda’s charming but easily distracted sweetheart, also notices the mysterious beauty. Unbeknownst to him, he is being drawn in by the cunning Dr. Coppelius, who has her own secret plans.
As the village gathers to celebrate the annual wheat harvest festival, tradition holds that each young woman shakes an ear of wheat. If it rattles, it means her true love is faithful. One by one, the girls listen eagerly. But when Swanhilda’s ear of wheat makes no sound, her heart sinks. Convinced that Franz no longer loves her, she is comforted by her loyal friends.
As the festivities come to a close, Dr. Coppelius accidentally drops the key to her workshop. Seizing the opportunity, Swanhilda and her curious friends decide to sneak inside—determined to uncover the truth about the mysterious girl and the secrets hidden within…
**5 Minute Pause**
Act II
Swanhilda and her friends sneak into Dr. Coppelius’s mysterious workshop and discover strange, life-like dolls everywhere. Suddenly, the “new girl” in town appears. At first they are frightened—until Swanhilda realizes the truth: she isn’t a real girl at all, but a doll! The friends laugh, amazed that Franz had been fooled the entire time.
Just then, Dr. Coppelius returns and chases the intruders out… or so she believes.
Franz soon wanders in, still searching for the beautiful girl he saw at the window. Seizing her opportunity, Dr. Coppelius captures him. She plans to use magic to steal his life force, bringing her beloved doll Coppélia to life and unlocking the secret to eternal youth.
When Coppélia suddenly begins to move like a real human, Dr. Coppelius is overjoyed. But the miracle is only an illusion—Swanhilda, disguised as the doll, cleverly tricks her to buy time and rescue Franz.
Will Swanhilda and Franz escape safely? Or will Dr. Coppelius succeed in her desperate quest for eternal youth?
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Cast of Characters
Coppélia
CHRISTINE
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Dr. Coppelius
MELISSA
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Swanhilda
JESSICA
understudy: Lacee
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Franz
MARKEL
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Swanhilda's Friends
LACEE
BLAIR
REBECCA
KRISTEN
HEATHER
MELISSA
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Towns Ladies
MADILYN
LAILA
LOLAH
ALEXANDRA
CHRISTINE
TALIA
BRITTNEY
DALIAH​​​​
Please enjoy a 10-minute Intermission
Greatest Hits
In Strings
Choreography by Emily Runkle and dancers
Music: Vivaldi, Boccherini
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Opening Movement
REBECCA
LACEE
KRISTEN
HEATHER
LOLAH
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Trio Movement
MADILYN
LAILA
LOLAH
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Adagio Movement
Saturday
REBECCA
KRISTEN
HEATHER
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Sunday
LACEE
BLAIR
LOLAH
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Solo Movement
MELISSA
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Finale
PROFESSIONAL COMPANY
STUDENT COMPANY
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The Tell-Tale Heart
Choreography by Emily Runkle
Music: Edvard Grieg
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MELISSA
LACEE
MADILYN
REBECCA​​
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Trinity
Choreography by Melissa Lineburg
Music: Original Score Composed + Performed by Arsen Sumbatyan
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Saturday
LACEE
KRISTEN
MELISSA
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Sunday
REBECCA
KRISTEN
MELISSA​
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Stayin' Alive
Choreography by Emily Runkle
Music: The BeeGees
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY
STUDENT COMPANY
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**CURTAIN CALL**
Management Team
Melissa Lineburg Managing Director + Company Artist
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Message from Melissa
It’s hard to put into words just how grateful I am to be celebrating the Ballet Embody’s first season as a not-for-profit organization. I truly cannot imagine where I’d be without this incredible company. The dancers who’ve shared their creativity and talent with us over the years have shaped Ballet Embody into what it is today—and I never take for granted how lucky I am to perform alongside such inspiring artists. I’m especially thankful for the commitment and passion our dancers bring to the studio each and every week.
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With heartfelt thanks:
Arsen Sumbatyan – Thank you for putting up with me these past few years and for your incredible generosity, sharing your music and artistry with our dancers and audiences. Your original scores and live performance bring a newfound depth—not only to this program, but to every project we’ve created together. I’m truly honored to collaborate with you.
Emily - My creative partner, sounding board, and fellow bunhead. This year, once again, has looked different for us, and watching you grow into motherhood has been incredible. From early-morning talks to unwavering support and endless new ideas + dreams, I’m endlessly thankful for all of it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as we continue to think, create, and dance together. I think... we've already planned out our next two season? 😉
Josh – My partner in love and life. Thank you for being that annoyingly calm presence at the end of my long days, for supporting every aspect of my dancing and company work, and for never holding my undone chores against me. I love you.
My family – Thank you for raising me to move with purpose, to ask questions, and to make the most of what’s available. Your support of my creativity and ambition means everything.
Our company of artists – Your commitment to Ballet Embody helps bring it and our performances to life in ways I could never have imagined. I am constantly in awe of your talent, curiosity, and willingness to push boundaries. Ballet Embody exists because of you—our current, past, and future dancers. Thank you for trusting us and growing with us.
To our audiences, donors, volunteers, followers, and supporters—thank you. You are the reason Ballet Embody continues to grow. We’re so glad you’re here. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Collaborating Artists
Marshall Kelly
​Marhsall Kelly is a multimedia illustrator and artist. Their work spans across a variety of genres and subjects, but at the core of it all is a deep love for creation. Their hope is to help others see the potential, beauty, and hidden magic in the world around us. Rather if it’s their use of color, love for fantasy, or the final product as a whole, each part of their practice as an artist is not only part of their pieces but part of themself as well.
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Arsen Sumbatyan
Originally from Moscow, Russia, Arsen Sumbatyan is a highly skilled trumpeter and pianist. He completed his music education at prestigious institutions like Moscow Conservatory College and Ippolitov-Ivanov State Musical Pedagogical Institute. Arsen has collaborated with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. He also performed with jazz and symphony orchestras, including the Regent Seven Seas Cruise Jazz Orchestra. As a versatile musician, Arsen plays trumpet for various bands and jazz ensembles, including the Doc Scantlin Band and The Hot Lanes. He currently serves as a Senior Pianist and Accompanist Coordinator at MYB, showcasing his talent both as a performer and teacher.
Event Sponsors + Playbill Ads
Fishbowl Brewing
Mission BBQ - Westminster
Season Sponsors
Ballet Embody is grateful to many for helping to make Coppelia + Greatest Hits a possibility. This production would not have been possible without support from:
Our dancers
Our donors
Our volunteers
Our stage crew
Nolan Hoolachan for photography of the performances.
Matt Ryan managing the video recording of Coppelia + Greatest Hits.
Click here to see Ballet Embody’s Season Sponsors.
Costumes Curated and Provided by
Emily Runkle, Melissa Lineburg, Jessica Markiewicz, Company Dancers
Dr. Coppelius skirt by Erica Johnston
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As a new not-for-profit organization, please consider making a tax-deductible donation online.