With no sets, costumes or make up, last night, cast members of the Atlanta Ballet gave patrons and members of the media a sneak peek into their next production, Michael Pink's Dracula. The intimate audience was immediately enthralled by the story of the innocent Jonathan Harker who journeys to Castle Dracula to finalize a land transaction with the Count. Instantly, you fear for this humble man's life while also in awe of the power of this demon vampire and the charm he exudes of the world of nosferatu he leads.
Pink, who leads the Milwuakee Ballet brings Bram Stoker's legendary tale to Atlanta audiences February 8-16, 2013, at the Cobb Energy Center. Pink is known not just for his phenomenal choreography, but also elevating the level of his dancers by pushing them to the height of their acting abilities as well.
"In the past, full length ballets have been interested more in technique than using dance to advance the story. Dracula is one of the first ballets I've seen which provides strong character development and uses both music and dance to move the story forward. It is a fully developed theatrical event told through dance," says Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director, John McFall, who credits Michael Pink for paving the way for a new style in ballet.
2013 will mark the fifth time the Atlanta Ballet has performed Dracula. The show has become a hallmark of the company and is its highest grossing production outside of Nutcracker. It's also no surprise Atlanta Ballet chose to allow their insiders to preview Dracula at their West Atlanta rehearsal studios where dancers have been diligently perfecting the show under the direction of Milwaukee Ballet Mistress, Nadia Thompson. A minimum of 90 minutes is required to get Dracula in full makeup and costume.
As the story of Dracula is a well known and enchanting literary work, those who've never attended the ballet in their life will appreciate seeing Stoker's words leap from the page and across the stage. Opening night is Friday, February 8, 2013. Tickets are available now through Atlanta Ballet box office.
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