On a crisp October evening, the Magoffin Auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the Nylia Ballet Academy prepared to unveil its latest production: a haunting rendition of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, Dracula.
The stage was set with an eerie crypt, as coffins and a bookcase decorated the stage. As the audience settled into their seats, an air of enchantment enveloped the room, hinting at the magic that was about to unfold.
Aiyln Aguirre, executive director founded Nylia Ballet in May of 2023 after studying computer science at UT Austin. Aguirre came back to El Paso with a love of ballet already in hand, wanting to take classes.
“I came back over here (El Paso) and I was looking for adult classes, but there wasn’t really adult ballet, so I said, ‘let’s just do it ourselves,’” said Aguirre. “It actually took off, but we’ve completely grown.”
Aguirre is attempting to bring the arts and live theater back through the Nylia Ballet. Her biggest goal is to create an audience and a community of people who want to come to these shows.
“Our job as dancers is in the studio,” said Aguirre. “But once we come to the theater its about bring people entertainment for the night, something inspiring, something that brings them back.”
The performance began with a haunting overture, the music’s strings and woodwinds weaving a tapestry of suspense. The first act transported the audience into Dracula’s home, where young woman Flora, portrayed by Yocelyn Salcido, found herself trapped by Dracula’s loyal brides and coven.
Salcido, with her graceful leaps and expressive face, captured the character’s mixture of fear, confusion and her inevitable trance her character finds herself in.
As the narrative unfolded, the enigmatic figure of Count Dracula emerged, portrayed by Beck Cuellar. Dressed in a flowing cape, Cuellar’s portrayal attempted seduction and menace. Cuellar’s duet with Salcido captivated innocence and seduction, a moment filled with both allure and impending doom. Cuellar had no ballet experience before Nylia, but has grown to love it.
“I haven’t been doing ballet for a long time so I really enjoyed pas de deux, so doing any partnering work was super fun,” said Cuellar. “I think everyone had so much fun and everyone was amazing.”
Choreographed by Grace McCoy, artistic director of Nylia Ballet, McCoy ensured the performers conveyed the message of the performance through dance.
As Act II approached, the stage transformed into the village where Svetlana, portrayed by Tiffany Stevens embodied a kind and well liked character that of course, Dracula would love to add to his roster of wives.
The brides, or coven of Dracula, portrayed the villagers delivering a different, but just as beautiful performance than when in their white shawls and tired-looking makeup. The production also featured stunning visual elements. The set and light production transformed the Magoffin Auditorium into a crypt, lovely village and eventual graveyard.
As the final act approached, the tension reached a fever pitch. Svetlana confronted Dracula in a gripping showdown. The choreography during this sequence was frenetic, with sharp movements and dramatic lifts, embodying the chaos of the characters’ desperate battle against darkness.
As the curtain fell, the audience erupted into applause, their appreciation resonating through the auditorium. Dancers beamed with pride, and many wiped away tears of joy after delivering such a powerful performance. As patrons exited the auditorium, conversations swirled around them, filled with excitement and admiration.
The Nylia Ballet Academy’s performance of Dracula was not just a showcase of talent; it was an exploration of the human experience, a dance with darkness that left its mark on all who witnessed it.
As the night deepened and the final echoes of applause faded, the magic of the performance lingered in the air, a testament to the power of storytelling through dance.
Adam Regalado is the multimedia editor at The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]
