OKLAHOMA CITY – The spooky season is in full swing, and Oklahoma City Ballet is presenting their creepiest performance yet with David Nixon’s “Dracula” running now through Sunday, October 19th, 2025 at the Civic Center Music Hall.
Based on the Gothic horror novel – long considered the quintessential vampire tale – Nixon’s version is scary and sexy, bold and haunting, and breathtaking.
Working with OKC Ballet as a guest choreographer, Nixon leaves out the camp and gore, relying instead on beautiful movement and thoughtful storytelling.
The ballet’s story is true to the timeframe of the original setting, with Victorian costumes and eerie lighting that is fitting for the piece. From the opening curtain, which is a stark art installation in itself, the drama and horror of this dance is undeniable and unforgettable.
Running only one weekend, the show is double-cast, with Corps de Ballet dancers Oslaniel Castillo and Callum Findlay-White alternating in the titular role. A media preview night on Thursday, October 16th featured Findlay-White as Dracula with Paige Russell as Mina and Anna Tateda as Lucy.
The music by Michael Daugherty, Arvo Pärt, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Alfred Schnittke is startling and builds tension as the iconic characters come to life – and death – on the stage.
Findlay-White is thrilling and shocking as Dracula, with a snakelike cadence to his movements. He glides across the stage as he stalks his victims. He’s part human, part wild animal, and all hunter. Findlay-White is a welcome addition to the company and shows promise as one of their new regular performers.
Paige Russell is heartbreaking and soulful as Mina, and she balances Findlay-White beautifully. Together with Anna Tateda as Lucy, the trio creates a vision on stage that redefines the term love triangle.
Many of Nixon’s dance numbers provide stand out scenes. Every moment is remarkable, and patrons themselves are on the edges of their seats and the tips of their own toes as the drama unfolds.
A particularly memorable moment involves Tateda’s Lucy sleepwalking through the cemetery as Dracula beckons to her through the mist. Theatrical smoke, gravestones, Gothic fences, and the raw talent of Tateda combine in a haunting display. She doesn’t just glide, she floats, and for a moment it’s easy to believe she’s dancing on air.
Another standout scene with Findlay-White and Russell occurs in Act II.
A sultry pas-de-deux (a dance of two) occurs between Dracula and Mina. As their love collides, they come together in an intimate and stirring moment with Nixon’s talent in full force.
However, without the poise and expertise of the dancers in this company, the scene would easily fall flat. This moment is delicate and tender, with feats of athleticism and artistry blending in a beautiful dance.
This is a scene to make casual viewers into lifetime fanatics, and it’s as impressive as it is powerful.
Speaking to the limited audience during intermission on Thursday, OKC Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye described the impact that Nixon’s “Dracula” has had on his life and career as a dancer. Once this moment in Act II arrives, there’s no question as to why.
Jolicoeur-Nye has once again made smart programming choices by bringing this dance to local ballet patrons. “Dracula” perfectly embodies the feel of Halloween, and yet it’s subtle and sophisticated performance art. It won’t turn away the most reserved or skittish of viewers. Even kids (12+) can watch it, as the movements that accompany the story are graceful and thought-provoking without becoming risqué.
OKC Ballet’s Dracula will sweep you off your feet while haunting your dreams and your waking hours. Like all impactful art should, it leaves you looking for the light while relishing the darkness.
David Nixon’s “Dracula” runs October 17th-19th, 2025 at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. in downtown OKC. Do not miss it!
Following this limited performance, their annual staple The Nutcracker returns for the holiday season in December. Tickets for both are available now. Visit okcballet.org and okcciviccenter.com.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
