I never thought that I will enjoy a ballet performance so much, given that I’m not into passive activity, until I come to Dracula ballet performance. I decided to buy a ticket for this because well, a performance filled with darkness, intrigue and gothic elements does appeal to me. And this show actually exceeds my expectations to grab my attention every second. The production of this show is simply awe inspiring.
I feel like I step into another world during this performance due to the incredibly impressive sets packed with dark, unworldly and gothic influences, immersive gothic experience, top notch atmosphere, brilliant use of lighting, gorgeous, totally on-the-point costumes, gothic music and spectacular performances.
The permanent fixtures of the show are the two gothic grey brick pillars: one with a gothic stained glass clock, another with a tunnel at the top at first, morphing into a bell later. These set up that dark gothic feel right at the beginning, and as gateways for the performers to enter and exit as required by the storyline to create smooth transitions between movements.
The first scene starts with the woods: lonely, desolate. Then the stage transforms into a town by the woods that is shrouded in fog, which is festive and cheerful. The high point comes with the appearance of the Dracula Castle, which is so incredible, foreboding, dark, grand and menacing. There are dungeon-like gates, tunnels to crypts, candlelights, grey brick walls and the impressive gothic window with stained glass. Through the colour of light shedded through the stained glass, from white, yellow purple to red, the mood changes. A romantic moment between the couple turns into horror and inescapable fate when the music changes and the light shedded turns into red.
The music also heightens the mood: being dramatic during the fight, cheerful during a wedding, gothic music in Dracula castle, creepy and menacing oozing through when horror is near, tragic when the cruel inevitable fate comes.
The whole show feels like graceful storytelling, where the choreography, plus the movements and expressions of the performer, showcase the different moods, thus making it possible that I understand what’s going on without a word. Despite knowing that this is a performance on stage, the show manages to make me feel moments of dread when the townfolks venture into Dracula's territory. Top notch.
Got to say that the ghostly performers’ ghoul and light movements totally convey that creepy and "I'm everywhere" feel. Their costumes have a unique contrast of rugged seams and bodice sewn with crystals to create that ethereal yet ghoulish feel. The costumes have that realistic style of the gothic era while having the light flowy skirts to showcase the beautiful ballet movements of the performers.
Absolutely a wonderful show that brings me to a gothic world.
Thoughts: Fantastic show that truly combines Beauty, Tragedy, Drama, Grandeur, Horror and Darkness.
