Czech journalists visit Baltic Opera in Gdańsk on a press trip

On April 5 and 6, 2024, the Baltic Opera had a pleasure to host representatives of the Czech press and online cultural services. Marie Kobrlová and Lucie van Koten attended the premiere of the ballet “Coppélia”, to the score written by French composer Léo Delibes, with choreography by Johan Kobborg. The visit initiated an international collaboration platform for popularizing the activities of the Baltic Opera abroad, particularly in the Czech Republic. Studio Kultura coordinated the study visit of the journalists.

 I had the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal on the first day and the premiere on the following day. I also appreciate the opportunity to interview the renowned award-winning Danish dancer and choreographer Johan Kobborg, noted theatrical publicist and ballet reviewer Marie Kobrlová after the opening night. The experienced author writes for such Czech magazines as Opera Plus, Divadelní noviny, Tanečníaktuality and Dance Context.

Lucie Van Koten, editor of “Life According to Lucie” – a blog popular in the Czech Republic since 2010 – posts tips on events, travel and sustainable businesses worldwide on her new website bio-mapa.cz. I had had Gdańsk on my list of must-see cities for a long time, and combined with the premiere of “Coppélia”, it was an unforgettable experience. Getting to know the backstage and the team of the Baltic Opera, who were fully devoted to us, was pure pleasure – confessed the famous blogger who published numerous photos documenting her trip to Gdańsk on her social media.

The next stage of the project, whose originators look for collaborative opportunities to popularize ballet, will be a visit of representatives of the Czech partner – the National Theater in Brno to the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk. The Brno-based theatre holds the Dance Brno Festival, a prestigious international event featuring the achievements of Czech and foreign ballet companies.

The project is held in partnership with the Polish Institute in Prague. It has been co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage under the “Inspiring Culture” program.