Ballet West's "Dracula" Returns Oct. 23 - 31

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (October 2026) – Ballet West’s Dracula is back. Ben Stevenson’s classic returns to the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre Oct. 23–31, following a sold-out run the last time it was staged in Salt Lake City. The production opens Artistic Director Adam Sklute’s 20th and final season with the Company.

 

Few ballet companies can stage Dracula. It takes more than 50 dancers, technically demanding choreography, and large-scale effects, including flying and explosions, that require a level of stagecraft most companies can’t match.

 

Sklute calls it “the best version of Dracula for a classical ballet company,” noting its storytelling, technical demands and entertainment value. Flying rehearsals with Dracula will take place on Oct. 20 and 21.

 

Two Principal Artists Take Their Final Bows

Dracula also marks the end of two celebrated careers. Principal Artists Jenna Rae Herrera and Tyler Gum will retire after this production, closing out 19 and 16 years with Ballet West, respectively. Closing night on Oct. 31 will be their final performance with the Company.

 

Herrera will join the faculty at Ballet West Academy and spend more time at home with her young son. Gum has accepted the position of Assistant Artistic Director at Ballet Lubbock, which he began Aug. 3.

"Jenna Rae Herrera was the very first dancer I hired for Ballet West II," said Artistic Director Adam Sklute. "It has been my honor to work with her, guide her, and learn from her, as she became one of the most important Ballet West principal ballerinas of her generation. There will never be another dancer like her!"

 

"Tyler Gum is one of the most versatile artists I have ever worked with," Sklute continued. "When I first discovered him , he was an eager kid with a bright technique and boundless energy. He has grown into artist equally comfortable in character and technically roles. "

"Both Jenna and Tyler epitomize everything I strived to develop in artists during my tenure as Artistic Director. They are hard working, deeply committed artists with unmatched theatrical instincts and sparkling techniques. Most of all though, they are kind, human beings who support their colleagues and find joy in everything they do. I will miss them dearly. But am thrilled for their next chapters"

 

PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Dracula
Oct. 23–31, 2026
Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 S., Salt Lake City
Tickets start at $39 | BalletWest.org or 801-869-6920