SAN ANTONIO – There is nothing more popular on the big or small screen today than a vampire storyline, and the story that started it all has been put to beautiful music by Ballet San Antonio in its original production of "Dracula."
The ballet hits the stage at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Thursday night and runs through Sunday night.
"Dracula" is based on the novel by Bram Stoker and is set by Ballet San Antonio Artistic Director Gabriel Zertuche. He said the audiences usually react to the horror.
"They do gasp at times. So when you come in, be sure you be prepared for a little scare at times," Zertuche said.
It's a dark, but beautiful ballet and the principle dancers sink their teeth into the roles.
Sarah Pautz, a veteran dancer who has returned to her South Texas roots to dance with the company, has a red neck from the vampire inspired movements of her counterpart, Ian Morris, who really does wear fangs.
Morris laughed when asked if wearing the long teeth are dangerous while he dances.
"It's not dangerous for me, it's dangerous for everyone else," he said.
Pautz, Morris and the rest of the company are thrilled to finally produce a full ballet at the Tobin, a first for San Antonio audiences. It's a huge performance center, on par or better than most they have performed in.
"I think this is a really special presentation and San Antonio should come out to see it just for that reason. This is different from "Nutcracker" or "Swan Lake." This isn't pure ballet, this is drama," said Pautz.
For more information on tickets for the performances, click here.