Four Reasons Why Ballet West's Dracula is a Must-See
Forget the tutus and tiaras. Ballet West's Dracula is a full-length staging of the vampire's supernatural seduction, with an appetite for blood and brides he can never satisfy. Here are the top four reasons it is not to be missed.
1. The Storytelling
Ben Stevenson, a true ballet legend, choreographed Dracula in 1997 to mark 100 years since Bram Stoker's novel was published. It's a dark, devilishly clever adaptation, and one local critic called it as much a tribute to the grand spectacle of ballet's golden age as it is to Gothic horror. You don't need to know the story, or know ballet, to be pulled in. Everything is told through movement, music, and some very good lighting.
2. A Halloween Tradition
Ballet West first staged Dracula in 2011 and brought it back in 2021, and it has become something of a local Halloween tradition. When it returned in 2023, it sold out. Audiences clearly have a taste for it (pun absolutely intended). One reviewer who has seen plenty of Ballet West productions said that if she had to pick a favorite, this would almost certainly be it. Another said it reawakened her love of the arts and her admiration for what the human body can do.
3. Athleticism You Have to See to Believe
Dracula requires at least 50 dancers, which is one reason only a handful of companies attempt it. The technical dancing and theatrical stagecraft it demands are things most companies simply can't pull off. Expect big partnering, dramatic lifts, and a corps de ballet that has to be precise and spooky at the same time. It's a lot to ask of a dancer, and Ballet West's artists make it look effortless.
4. Costumes, Sets, and Lighting That Set the Mood
Judanna Lynn designed Dracula's brides in dresses that look spun from silky cobwebs, adding their own layer of movement as they float across the stage. Look closely and you'll notice that the older brides, who have been in the crypt for a very long time, wear dresses that are distressed and dingy, while Flora and Svetlana's gowns are bright white and untouched. Make sure you also notice that every bride's dress and wig is different, not to mention that all of their wigs have been hand-made and styled.
Thomas Boyd's sets, which include a gorgeously painted castle and warm mountain village, show off the Gothic look that fits mood. Then the lighting does its work, giving the cold, shadowy crypt and the cozy village completely different personalities, so you'll feel the mood shift the moment the scene changes.
Performance Details:
- Oct. 23 – 31 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Theatre.
- Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes, with two intermissions.
- Live music performed by the Ballet West Orchestra
Is This Right for My Family? Recommended for ages 8 and above. Think spooky, dramatic, and theatrical rather than gory, and a great choice for teens, date nights, and anyone who loves a good Halloween thrill.
First Time at the Ballet? Welcome! Ballet is a beautiful art form that tells stories through movement and music. No special attire is required. Wear what makes you comfortable (a little black wouldn't hurt, though). Arrive early to find parking and enjoy the ambiance of the historic Capitol Theatre. Photography and recording are not permitted during the performance, so everyone can stay immersed in the spell.
Ready to meet the Count? Tickets start at $39. Visit balletwest.org or call 801-869-6900.