Classical variation guide
Folly Variation
Also known as Coppelia Folly Variation · Coppélia Folly · La Folie
Coppélia · Act III
Female
Intermediate
Arthur Saint-Léon
Léo Delibes
About this variation
The Folly Variation belongs to the allegorical divertissements in Coppélia’s festive third act. Its quick musical changes and playful gestures give the dancer room to portray a bright, mischievous character while maintaining clean classical technique.
Performance quality
Playful, quick-witted, sparkling, and theatrically bold
Training focus
Develop crisp footwork, buoyant small jumps, clear changes of direction, and coordinated head and arm accents. Practice the character gestures within the musical phrasing so the humor feels spontaneous without becoming untidy.
Key elements
Quick footwork · Petit allegro · Changes of direction · Character acting