Incredible! I took my 9 year olds: a daughter and a son. My son was not thrilled because boys made fun of him for going to the ballet. After the first Act my son leaned over and said "those boys don't know what they are talking about". He absolutely love the ballet, sat on the edge of his seat, and said "he was scared for life, but loved it so much." Sometimes, he covered his eyes. He was not scared in the sense of terror; but that the women vampires were so beautiful, sensual, and captivating yet demonic. At first he insisted that all of the people were not dancing but being propelled and moved via ropes and levers. The crazed lunatic was so real in the transformation that my son insisted he was not human. My daughter loved the ballet and I was not surprised. Yet, my son's love of the ballet was not yet developed, "Dracula" changed this. The music, the opera, and the movements moved a boy of 9 to appreciate another form of art. Well done! A must for every October. I have told everyone.
One more thing, my children were prepared for this ballet and we had discussed Dracula: The real Count, the history, as well as the fiction character, and watched the movie,. My son never was scared through any of that. The ballet was different because the beauty and sensuality of the music and movements was so counter to the story - it provided an emotional response that could not be found in a book or movie. Riveting.
My kids and I are now preparing for the Nutcracker. Reading and listening to the music. Both children can't wait.
Exposing my children to Dracula's Creativity and inspiration of Dracula allowed 3 hours of no desire to play mind craft. That is a 5 star performance.