[Art] Dracula, an October Spectacle…
(Denver = Won Jeong) When I woke up in the morning, the wind was already howling.
The sun was bright, the sky perfectly clear — yet, somehow, there was a faint sense of gloom.
From past experience, I’ve noticed that the day’s weather often mirrors the mood of that evening’s performance.
Perhaps that would be true again, I thought, as I made my way to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Outside the theater, the crowd had already gathered.
A long line stretched far down the street, filled with eager faces anticipating the night ahead.
The performance opened with Harker’s disoriented journey, a dreamlike passage from England to Transylvania.
Little did he know that within this dream, he would lose himself — wandering through the darkness of his own mind.
Choreographer Michael Pink, who directed this Dracula, masterfully conveyed the tension and fear that haunt each character.
In particular, Patrick Mihm as Dracula was nothing short of a reincarnation of the Count himself.
His tall frame, commanding presence, and sweeping gestures embodied an unrestrained force of evil.
Jeremy Studinski (as Harker), Ariel McCarty (as Mina), and Jennifer Grace (as Lucy) delivered haunting performances, revealing through dance how their characters were slowly consumed by Dracula’s power losing their sense of self and ultimately becoming servants of darkness.
What stood out most in this production was the cohesion among the dancers, many of whom have long been part of the Colorado Ballet family.
Their shared history and understanding gave even the smallest gestures a profound emotional depth.
Notably, several Demi-Soloists took on Soloist roles this season, showcasing the company’s internal growth and evolution.
Bryce Lee, who played Renfield, was a highlight. Having served as a Demi-Soloist this year, he finally stepped into the spotlight, demonstrating remarkable maturity and potential.
The future of Colorado Ballet looks bright.
It’s not only the technical brilliance that continues to impress, but also the human growth of its dancers a transformation that makes following this company a true joy.
* Vampire Costume Ball — Closing Night Celebration
Join the Colorado Ballet for a Vampire Costume Ball for the final performance of Dracula on October 12 at 6:30 PM.
Bring your bloody fangs, velvet cape, and hauntingly pale makeup — or anything that awakens your inner vampire from the dead.
