Dracula

Dracula
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO
October 6-15, 2017

For the past ten years, the Colorado Ballet has presented a wide variety of shows. Aside from the Nutcracker, only one show has been repeated in that time – Dracula. At time sit has been an extra show added in October. This year, it is one of the three main ballets being performed.

Dracula is not a typical ballet. It contains a much more complex story than the art form usually attempts. As a result, the show contained many interactions between the performers, but far less dancing than a regular ballet would.

The performance was made up of three acts. Each featured one major dance sequence in the midst of graceful stagecraft. Those sequences felt long and drawn out – especially since they did nothing to advance the story. Although the dance of the undead in the third act was more entertaining than the others.

Also unlike other ballets was the strong characters the dancers portrayed. The personalities came through the physical actions of these performers who never spoke. It was impressive to watch. Dracula’s slow, sensual movements added to his mysterious appearance. Although he had a habit of drawing others to him, pushing them away and then drawing them back which made little sense. The performance of Renfield’s psychotic behavior was also well crafting.

The costumes in the production were spectacular. Dracula’s red cape swirled about him majestically. His well choreographed flipping of it around his legs complimented his graceful movements. Not one costume looked out of place – they looked like the clothing of the period and not ballet costumes.

The sets brought the whole production together. They were clearly indicative of the mood of each scene and moved the action along. Once set change left Lucy on stage for a rather awkward costume change, but the rest seemed flawless.

For fans of traditional ballet, this ballet may take getting used to. This show does have the ability to bring in audiences who do not attend traditional ballets. That is a tribute to the power of the story – no matter how it is told.