Choreographer: Paul Vasterling
Music: Bohuslav Martinů
Key Themes:
● Based on: Bram Stoker’s novel
● Story: Dracula follows Count Dracula’s pursuit of the innocent Mina, whom he seeks to claim as his bride. As Dracula uses his supernatural powers to control Mina, her friends, led by Van Helsing, fight to save her from the vampire’s grasp. The ballet is filled with dark, gothic imagery and themes of love, power, and danger.
● Climax: The final confrontation between Van Helsing and Dracula to save Mina.
● Conclusion: Dracula is destroyed, and Mina is freed from his control.
● Takeaway: Dracula is a thrilling ballet that blends horror and romance, brought to life through its haunting choreography and atmosphere.
● Famous Performances: The Northern Ballet and Houston Ballet have presented notable productions of Dracula, with David Nixon and Ben Stevenson as famous choreographers.
Here’s the lift: The dramatic interplay between Dracula and Mina, as well as the eerie, atmospheric set design. The contrast between Dracula’s predatory power and Mina’s innocence adds emotional depth.
