A Chilling Tale of Desire, Darkness, and the Undead
The Georgia Ballet opens its 65th Anniversary Season with the spine-tingling Georgia Ballet Premiere of Dracula, running October 23–26, 2025, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, located just minutes from Marietta Square. This haunting production brings Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece to life through powerful choreography by Norbe Risco, Artistic Director of the Kentucky Ballet Theatre.
Set against the eerie backdrop of Transylvania, Romania, Dracula follows the mysterious Count as he casts his shadow across the city. What begins as Jonathan Harker’s strange business trip quickly descends into a chilling tale of seduction, terror, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. At the heart of the story lies Mina, whose destiny becomes tragically entwined with Dracula’s unrelenting thirst for immortality.
Through Risco’s evocative choreography and The Georgia Ballet’s dynamic artistry, audiences will be transported into a world of moonlit castles, restless spirits, and the intoxicating allure of the supernatural. With every step, the line between fear and fascination blurs, drawing viewers deeper into the Count’s dark embrace.
“I was inspired to do the ballet, Dracula, because I fell in love when I saw the movie by Bram Stoker in the 90s. I always said to myself, one day I will choreograph Dracula, and I will do it based on this story because I was really captivated by the passion…the acting…and how the drama evolved during the movie, and I wanted to portray the same into a ballet.” (Norbe Risco)
This production marks The Georgia Ballet’s first presentation of Dracula, establishing an electrifying start to the 2025–2026 Season. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez, The Georgia Ballet continues to celebrate its legacy while introducing bold, compelling works that challenge and inspire both artists and audiences.
While Dracula is a full-length, fully produced ballet, parental discretion is strongly advised due to its mature themes and dark subject matter. This production is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older, and there will not be a Sensory Friendly performance of this particular mainstage production.
Adding to the immersive experience, Hamp & Harry’s will partner with The Georgia Ballet for each mainstage performance this season, offering curated adult beverage selections in the lobby, the perfect pairing for an evening of haunting elegance.
“We are so excited to present Dracula as our 65th Anniversary Season Opener and Georgia Ballet premiere! Having my good friend, Norbe Risco, here to stage his powerful work has been such a rewarding experience. Norbe and I danced together many years ago, so to reconnect now, artist to artist, choreographer to director, has been very special. This ballet carries his signature drama and intensity, and seeing it come to life through our dancers, with our own costumes and production elements, has been incredible. It’s a thrilling way to begin our season.” (Daet Rodriguez)
Accompanying this announcement, The Georgia Ballet is pleased to share a promo video offering a first glimpse into Dracula’s world of movement and mystery upon request.
Audiences can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes look through photos of the professional company dancers rehearsing with Norbe Risco, as well as stunning imagery from the promotional shoot, showcasing the ballet’s darkly seductive aesthetic. (please see attachments)
Performance Dates and Times
● October 23 – 7:00 PM
● October 24 – 8:00 PM
● October 25 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM October 26 – 3:00 PM
Parental Discretion Advised: This performance includes mature content and dark themes. Recommended for ages 12+.
Tickets:
Tickets are available now at https://www.georgiaballet.org/season or by calling (770) 528-0881. Seating is limited for this Georgia Ballet Premiere; reserve early for an unforgettable night of gothic grandeur. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Call for more information.
About The Georgia Ballet
Founded in 1960 by Marietta native Iris Hensley, The Georgia Ballet is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring the public through professional ballet performance, unparalleled dance training, and meaningful community outreach. Now celebrating its 65th Anniversary Season, The Georgia Ballet continues to honor its legacy of excellence while expanding accessibility and creativity in the arts.
Join us this October as Dracula rises in Marietta, an unforgettable ballet that will leave your pulse racing long after the curtain falls.
