Photo by Mike Watson. Image courtesy of Colorado Ballet.
In true dia de los muertos form, the Colorado Ballet delivered a standing round of applause for its matinee rendition of Dracula at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
Domenico Luciano was mesmerizing as Count Dracula. His stature, stoic expressions and controlled, yet serpentine movements mesmerized as he glided about the stage in his velvet blood red cape.
Colorado Ballet delivered suspense, entertainment and a easy entrance to any non-typical ballet patrons. The audience seemed to reflect this with a large variance in age and even a couple of folks painted as sugar skulls. The masterful grace of the dancers hypnotized the viewers into a new-age silent film retelling a story many already knew.
Photo by Mike Watson. Image courtesy of Colorado Ballet.
Anyone unfamiliar with the story feared not for the LED prompter on the seats provided any needed narration.
Between the fog and grand stage changes, it was apparent that great care was taken to produce an ominous setting. To add even more effect, Renfield (Jesse Marks) proved madly effective dancing with Mina Harker while bound in his straight jacket. When was the last time you watched a ballet duet with someone in a straight jacket? This was a first for me!
Photo by Mike Watson. Image courtesy of Colorado Ballet.
With blood ridden undead and a maniacal Lucy spinning about the stage, the last act was truly explosive. The blood-drenched characters were creepy, synchronized and graceful.
A one weekend only affair, Dracula delivered novelty and suspense. The dancers while precise and technical seemed relaxed and enjoying themselves. Dracula by far stole the show and maintained character even when applauded at the end. Frightfully delightful, Colorado Ballet delivered a blood-curdling experience. Can’t wait to see what hits the stage next!
W. Celeste Davis Stragand: Published author, showcased artist and local Denverite, W. Celeste Davis Stragand is not new to the art world. Her passion for delving into the root of existence and movement will challenge and praise both choreographers and the audience. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Celeste holds two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Chemistry and the other in English. She is also a graduate of Naropa University holding a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. A former national slam team poet, Celeste is a graduate of the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program and sits on the American Institute of Architects Colorado board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the kinetic arts will frolic and frenzy through the upcoming season of performances with many hopes for an encore!
Dracula – Frightfully Entertaining
Dracula – Frightfully Entertaining
In true dia de los muertos form, the Colorado Ballet delivered a standing round of applause for its matinee rendition of Dracula at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
Domenico Luciano was mesmerizing as Count Dracula. His stature, stoic expressions and controlled, yet serpentine movements mesmerized as he glided about the stage in his velvet blood red cape.
Colorado Ballet delivered suspense, entertainment and a easy entrance to any non-typical ballet patrons. The audience seemed to reflect this with a large variance in age and even a couple of folks painted as sugar skulls. The masterful grace of the dancers hypnotized the viewers into a new-age silent film retelling a story many already knew.
Anyone unfamiliar with the story feared not for the LED prompter on the seats provided any needed narration.
Between the fog and grand stage changes, it was apparent that great care was taken to produce an ominous setting. To add even more effect, Renfield (Jesse Marks) proved madly effective dancing with Mina Harker while bound in his straight jacket. When was the last time you watched a ballet duet with someone in a straight jacket? This was a first for me!
With blood ridden undead and a maniacal Lucy spinning about the stage, the last act was truly explosive. The blood-drenched characters were creepy, synchronized and graceful.
A one weekend only affair, Dracula delivered novelty and suspense. The dancers while precise and technical seemed relaxed and enjoying themselves. Dracula by far stole the show and maintained character even when applauded at the end. Frightfully delightful, Colorado Ballet delivered a blood-curdling experience. Can’t wait to see what hits the stage next!
W. Celeste Davis Stragand: Published author, showcased artist and local Denverite, W. Celeste Davis Stragand is not new to the art world. Her passion for delving into the root of existence and movement will challenge and praise both choreographers and the audience. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Celeste holds two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Chemistry and the other in English. She is also a graduate of Naropa University holding a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. A former national slam team poet, Celeste is a graduate of the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program and sits on the American Institute of Architects Colorado board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the kinetic arts will frolic and frenzy through the upcoming season of performances with many hopes for an encore!