Video: Ballet West’s ‘Dracula’ is a must-watch production for everyone from age 5 to 85
Ballet West is performing “Dracula” from Oct. 20-28 at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.
The company’s website describes the show as “mysterious and spooky, powerful and dramatic.”
“The dark and brooding Dracula is surrounded by his corps of brides and hungering for more blood. This ballet sinks its teeth into intricate choreography as the dark tale unfolds, set to the ominous music of Franz Liszt,” Ballet West explains.
Along with my sister, I watched the dress rehearsal performance on Thursday, and the whole production from the set, to the orchestra, to the dancers was breathtaking, beautiful and inspiring. Ballet West’s artistry is refined and the company clearly has exceptional talent both on stage and behind the scenes.
The “Dracula” story begins with Dracula, played by Adrian Fry, in his lair. The corps de ballet, or the big group of ballerinas who dance together, dance around him. The scene shows how many girls Dracula has captured and turned into vampires.
Then, Dracula’s evil accomplice, Renfield, brings a new victim, Flora, to the castle, and the curtain closes as the vampire and the corps de ballet drink her blood.
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In the second act, the set changes to a warmly lit, Eastern European town. The heroine Svetlana, played by Katlyn Addison, and her lover, Frederick, played by Hadriel Diniz, are introduced to the audience.
The progression of their relationship is depicted beautifully through pas de deux, or partner dancing. The audience sees the lovers bonding with Frederick’s brother-in-law and leaving behind childhood for marriage.
The scene ends with Dracula’s carriage interrupting the village celebration and dragging Svetlana away to the vampire’s castle.
The final act of “Dracula” shows Frederick’s desperate attempt to rescue Svetlana. Vampires fly, stage tricks are performed and pyrotechnics shock the audience.
During the climax of the show, Dracula meets his demise. The final scene perfectly contrasted with the darkness of the conflict, and Svetlana and Frederick walk off stage into the morning together.
The beauty of this performance was in the details. Dracula’s cape accentuated Flora’s lines when they danced together, and Addison’s performance was perfect, down to her facial expressions.
Ballet West has some serious talent, and “Dracula” is a wonderful experience for everyone.
The show has six evening performances with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $96. There are also two matinee showings with tickets listed from $36 to $116. Tickets can be purchased on the company’s ticket page.
