Dracula performed by the Milwaukee Ballet

                   It has been years since I have attended a ballet performance.  When I saw the Milwaukee Ballet was going to perform Dracula, I knew I had to go.  I have read the book twice and seen the play, so I was really curious as to how it would be translated into a ballet.

                Overall the ballet was well done.  There were a few confusing parts where I was wondering if something was actually happening of if it was part of a nightmare.  Also during the hotel scene it was difficult to tell who was who.  I do not believe this had anything to do with where I was sitting.

                One person that could never be mistaken was Dracula.  First off, the dancer was tall and held his body very straight.  Then there was the commanding presence he projected and his distinct way of moving.  I believe he must have gotten such a thrill hanging off of things and slithering across the floor.  What was also interesting was how the dancer held the character all the way through the curtain call.    

                While Dracula is definitely the character that stood out the most, the others were not forgettable by any means.  Harker had some very active scenes as he dealt with Dracula and the women in Dracula’s castle.  Mina was an important character as she has close relationships with several of the characters.  Then there was Lucy.  How the dancer stayed en pointe for as long as she did while taking tiny steps around the stage, I do not know.

                The other usual characters were there as well: Van Helsing, Renfield, and a couple of Lucy’s suitors.  They also did well, but their parts were not as prominent as others.  One of the suitors did strongly draw my attention away from the others.  I wanted his boots.        

                There was also some group dances throughout the production.  My favorite was the one performed by the villagers of Transylvania.

                I really enjoyed Dracula as a ballet.  There were a few minuses here and there, but for the most part the Milwaukee Ballet put on a great production.  As I sat in my seat, I was reminded how much I like the ballet.  I will now pay attention to what other productions are coming up.