Our guest contributors are Amy Blum and Janice Hanson.  Amy is the president of Amy Blum Publicity and the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Ganondagan State Historic Site and Janice is the president of JKHanson Wordcraft – her own proofreading and editing business.  Both have musical backgrounds and are lovers of the arts.  We thank them both for taking the time to “review” the performance.

Amy’s blog:

Red. Blood red. That’s the first thing I noticed once the house lights dimmed for the Rochester City Ballet’s 2012 opening night of “The Blood Countess.” The stage lights drenching the closed curtain red already were sending the message. Something sinister is about to start.

The Ying Quartet with pianist Elinor Freer provided an incredibly focused live accompaniment for the ballet. And somehow, with their thin glimmer of music stand lights peering into the darkness, the image of these five musicians huddled off stage right paralleled the foreboding sense emanating from the stage. Whatever was about to happen definitely was not going to end well.

From the misty prologue in a proverbial dark alley, the fictionalized story mix of Count Dracula (Brandon Alexander) and the real life figure of 16^th century Elizabeth Bathory—who supposedly sought the fountain of youth in the blood of her virgin sacrifices—was a theatrical, visual, and physical stunner. I doubt Shostakovich could have imagined his music being re-purposed in this way, but his intense polyphony and off-kilter rhythms were a perfect match for the libretto. And the Yings almost acted as a Greek chorus, providing musical commentary.

As the story progressed, the creepiness of the characters started to be revealed. As Fitzko, Adam Kittelberger was really lascivious and amazingly disturbing. It was hard not to be drawn in as he hunted/flirted his way into the heart of the next virgin victim on behalf of his Blood Countess mistress. My own heart went out to The Selected Virgin (Jessica Tretter). I knew she was going to be a goner.

If Looks Could Kill…

Once Tara Lally made her entrance as the Blood Countess, she demanded absolute attention. Passionate, forceful, and seductive in her facial and body language, you dared not look away. This definitely is a woman used to getting her way.

Combining the characters of Dracula and Blood Countess together is an interesting co-mingling, of characters, legends, and, all right, I’ll say it: blood.  Dracula’s power may pale by comparison to that of the B.C. Even he is overcome by her hypnotic power.  Anna, Dracula’s virginal love interest, was a lovely foil for the B.C.  I especially enjoyed what I assume to be the Shakespearean reference to the three witches, sending their spell wafting across a divided stage to a fabulously choreographed drinking party.

Ah, the bedroom scene… Titillating, homo-erotic, and categorically not for children under 12.  Same for the effective flickering multi-media addition, which nicely fast-forwarded the narrative.  And Dracula’s “post-event” anguish was palpable.

The B.C.’s bathing scene was the antithesis of the nightmarish shower episode in Psycho. In fact, it was sexy and eerily calm, thanks to the change in tone from Shostakovich’s Piano Trio and the monochromatic costumes providing some needed aural and visual relief. The use of the rose petals was that much more effective.

The rest of the story is characterized by manipulation, loss of innocence, and ultimately about vengeance, pure and simple.  The B.C. is at turns, loving and hideous. She moves seamlessly between each at will to fulfill her desires.

I am not a dance critic, but I am a lover of the arts, especially when presented in a refreshing way. Seemingly rooted in traditional ballet, “The Blood Countess” was made rich both by the power of the narrative and by the dancers’ obvious conviction and faith in the production.

Amy Blum, February 2012

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Janice’s blog:

This is No Nutcracker

I’ve seen the Rochester City Ballet numerous times in The Nutcracker (in my prior role as RPO Marketing Manager), and their new production The Blood Countess is definitely no Nutcracker. Okay, there are some commonalities – beautiful young women and handsome young men in ballet shoes float and glide across the stage to music by a Russian composer. But that’s where the similarities end.

To set the context for the ballet … it’s set in 16^th century Hungary and the central characters are the Countess Elizabeth Báthory and Count Dracula. The Countess is, according to the program notes, “a cruel vain beauty known for bathing in the blood of virgin servant girls.” I have to admit to some trepidation knowing the story would include murder and vampires, not my usual choice of subject matter.

Things start off innocently enough – a marketplace scene with the dancers in costumes evoking Eastern European peasants and all seems right with the world. But then the Countess’ servant Fitzkó (RCB company member Adam Kittelberger) arrives and starts checking out all the beautiful maidens in the village square, and then a trio of witches appears, and then things really start to get weird.

When Tara Lally makes her appearance as the Countess, she commands the stage, and does so for every scene she’s in. It’s actually a refreshing change to have such a strong woman character. She certainly knows what she wants and gets her way. Right now, the only other character I can think of like that is Carmen (although things didn’t turn out so great for her…). Lally’s Countess can be charming one moment and then devious the next with just a glance of her eyes or a tilt of her head. You get the sense that she’s really having fun with the role.

Count Dracula is actually introduced at the very beginning of the ballet, in a brief scene set in the modern day, so you know to watch him when he appears part way through Act I. The Countess certainly has her eyes on him, although I did wonder at one point, where is her own Count? Here we see Dracula before he became the literary figure we know today. Brandon Alexander eloquently portrays the confidence and hope of the young Dracula with his fiancée Anna, as well as his later torment (which I won’t describe here – no spoilers in case you missed this weekend’s performances and have a chance to see it later).

The music is an essential element of The Blood Countess. The RCB has chosen selections from string quartets and piano trios by Dmitri Shostakovich. I heard a young man say at intermission that he didn’t really like music written for the ballet. These pieces weren’t actually written for this production (Shostakovich died in 1975), but the music and dance go together so seamlessly, I can see why he would think so. The second movement of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 sounds demonic all on its own. In fact, I don’t think The Blood Countess would have as much emotional power without the music, in the same way that the Hitchcock movie Psycho isn’t quite as thrilling and scary when you hit the mute button.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjvTTfbpWjY

And the music for this performance was top notch, with the Ying Quartet playing live along with pianist Elinor Freer. The dancers also provide some percussion, ranging from handclaps to clanking glasses to bursts of laughter, all timed exactly to fit with the music and the movement.

The production is also visually striking: costumes in luscious shades of blue, green, orange and red; elegant sets and backdrops that use creative draping and lighting to define the stage space. There is also an interesting use of video projection to serve as a flashback – something you don’t often see in a ballet production.

I was very pleased to see the mix of people in the audience – both men and women, young and old, not just the expected ballet aficionados. Hopefully that’s a sign that by branching out with their choice of subject matter, the RCB is bringing in new audiences to enjoy this magical blend of movement and music.

Janice Hanson, February 2012

Amanda DeVito’s (Director of Strategy and Innovation at Butler/Till)  top 5 reasons to attend Jamey Leverett’s The Blood Countess this weekend:

5.  Winter options – Skiing at Briston Mountain AND go see The Blood Countess

4.  Just to prove to your “other” half that dance is cool and hip… and far from boring

3.  It is so good… you will want to DVR it!

2.  Edgy, provocative, sexy

1. You will NEVER see anything like this… for a minute you may think you are in New York City – it is that good!

Ruby Lockhart’s (executive director of Garth Fagan Dance and chair of Dance USA)  top five reasons to see Jamey Leverett’s The Blood Countess:

5.  Timing is perfect for an early Valentine’s gift to yourself.

4.  It’s indoors

3.  Beautiful, talented dancers.

2.  Beautiful costuming and sets.

1.  Jamey Leverett has created work that is accessible and speaks to all ages.

Thomas Warfield’s (assistant professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and founder/artistic director of PeaceArt USA) top five reasons to see Jamey Leverett’s The Blood Countess:

5.  Since I scare easily with all of the vampire gory stuff..This helps me to enjoy it because it is dance. I won’t have nightmares.

4.  This totally breaks open the stereotypes about ballet and allows more access to the general population.

3.  It’s romance, it’s red, it’s near Valentine’s Day..and you can take someone and hold on to them during the suspenseful moments.

2.  You’ll never see anything like this again and you’ll want to see it again.

1.  It’s mid-winter and you need something to take your mind off of the cold- and this is hot, hot, red hot!!!

Brette Benedict, who is one of the Witches and a Ghost:

Brette Benedict - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  Awesome choreography!

4. Really engaging.

3.  Not a “girly” thing to go see.

2.  Live music played extraordinarily well.

1.  A great collaboration of the arts.

Jessica Tretter is the Chosen Virgin and here is her top 5:

Jessica Tretter - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  Beautiful Music

4.  Dramatic storyline

3.  There is Blood!

2.  A female vampiress

1.  It’s a night to take you away from the cold winter snow and into a completely new story.

Adam Kittelberger plays (the very creepy) Fitzko.  (he gives us 4 reasons because he says dancers can only count in groups of 4! – either 1, 2, 3, 4 or more usually 5, 6, 7, 8!)

4.  A unique story and ballet exclusive to RCB.

Adam Kittelberger - photo by Tim Leverett

3.  This ballet will change your ideas about what a ballet should be (not always happy princesses!)

2.  Another amazing collaboration with local musicians

1.  Characters that will leave a lasting impression!

Jade Jevnik – who plays a Peasant and Ghost in the ballet:

Jade Jevnik - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  It’s not your typical ballet because of the music and choreography – choreographed with perfection to each different note.

4.  The costumes were  made for each dancer, which I think is pretty cool because you have your own special one!

3.  Each dancer has a prop or specific attire that helps them portray their character.

2.  You don’t want to fall asleep while watching this ballet!

1.  I actually enjoy a ballet that leaves you in suspense.  It’s even greater to dance it.

5. Wow! To see a production that is built from the ground-up right in here in Rochester– from the concept, to the sets, to the costumes – is an incredible thing.

4. Sizzle! This show is romantic, scary and sensual all at the same time. Highly recommended for date night.

3. Stars! Rochester City Ballet’s talented dancers truly become their roles. Tara Lally and Brandon Alexander both bring a depth to their characters that you will not soon forget.

2. Music! Shostakovich’s haunting scores will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the performance. No doubt the music will be spine-tingling when performed live by the Ying Quartet.

1. Theater! There isn’t a bad seat in the house at the Nazareth College Arts Center. Take advantage of the theater’s close proximity to some fabulous restaurants and make it a night out on the town.

Kelsey Schneider - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  You won’t see another ballet like it; it has a fantastically intriguing story line.  Who doesn’t like a little love, lust and blood? (I’m talking to you, Twilight fans…)  It will leave you with the chills.  Guaranteed.

4.  The special effects are awesome!  I can’t give away the surprises, but I can tell you that you won’t ever want to look away from the stage. (Except for intermission, then it’s OK to look away!)

3.  Tara Lally is amazing as the Blood Countess.  She literally transforms herself into Elizabeth Bathory and becomes this beautiful, creepy, alluring woman who you can’t stop watching.  Everyone on stage really brings their characters to life.  Brandon Alexander is a strikingly handsome Dracula.  Megan Kamler is an elegant Anna, and Adam Kittelberger is a really really, REALLY creep Fitzko. (emphasis on the REALLY!)

2.  Everyone at RCB has put in tremendous effort to putting on this great show.  You don’t want that to go to waste, do you?  What else do you have to do on February 3rd, 4th or 5th?  Probably nothing.  So do us a favor and come see The Blood Countess.  I promise you, you will not be disapponted.

1.  And if all that isn’t enough, I’m in it!

From Jonathan, who plays a peasant and a nobleman in the production:

Jonathan Davidsson - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  It is hot!

4.  There is partial nudity…

3. There is blood

2.  Vampires seem to be quite popular today

1. The choreography and music are very intense and you WILL BE MOVED!

Becca, who plays one of the three peasant girls and a ghost shares her top 5:

Becca Cross - photo by Tim Leverett

5.  Live music!

4. Amazing story line

3. Fast paced ballet that will keep any audience member on the edge of their seat

2. Wonderful choreography

1. Exciting and a variety of emotions all found in one show

All that aside, our theater bins are packed and on their way to the theater, dancers are madly sewing pointe shoes and pancaking them to match their skin tone, last-minute makeup purchases are being made, hair styles being perfected, and toe pads being bought.  Not to mention the tweaks to our technique and musicality for the show!  Its been an intense week.  We are all exhausted with heavy legs and fuzzy brains.  Information overload.  I’m guessing I’m not the only dancer taking freakishly long naps today.  A bath would be ideal to round out the day, or a massage.  Any takers?  I pay with baked goods.

Besides the blur of rehearsals and lack of rest before the performance, things are looking good!  I cannot stress how amazing the Ying Quartet is.  The way they play the music is magical, and you are transported someplace else just listening to them without the story our dancing tells.  Their tempos differ a bit from our recording, and in all the right ways.  It just enriches the emotions of the music and suspense of the ballet.  I am so lucky to work in such an enriching environment.  Every single company member is in awe of the Ying Quartet, and is so invested in this ballet.  Everyone cares so much about how the ballet looks as a whole, and the positive energy is really helping us through crunch time.  Imagine working someplace where everyone is willing to give over 100% everyday, and loves what they do.  That’s my job!  How cool is that?

Anyway, clearly, its time for bed.  My blog is rambling and my cat is trying to sit on the keyboard.  Until next week when it’s showtime!  Good night!

Jessie Tretter

Brandon Alexander - photo by: Tim Leverett

Today we hear from Brandon (who plays Dracula in The Blood Countess) and he contributed two top 5 lists for us!

5. It

4. Has

3. A

2. Hot

1. Vampire!

and:

5.  It has a great original story

4. A very passionate cast of dancers

3. A great musical score being played live by the Ying Quartet and Elinor Freer

2. It will definitely spark some romance!

1. VAMPIRES!!!

Thanks Brandon!

Yesterday was not a great day for me. When you try harder to fix things and you just end up making silly mistakes you get a little frustrated with yourself. Then as I was cutting some fabric off of my pointe shoes my scissors slipped and stabbed me in the finger. Blood was gushing everywhere. I felt a little embarrassed but everyone started joking around about it. They told me not to show Tara or she would for sure suck my blood. You probably had to be there for it to be funny. Today my finger is a little sore and swollen. It is a little hard for me to bend it, especially without hurting, but it doesn’t look infected. Now I have a nice blood stain on my ribbons to remind me of this day. At least I can look back and just laugh!

Today we are going in for another run of the full show. I am looking forward to just really trying to dive even deeper into my characters. It is also great to watch everyone else develop their characters as well. It seems to me that everyone is beginning to feel really comfortable with the movements and I have seen some true emotions in their acting that makes this ballet really come alive. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you must!!!

Have a good day! I hope the sun comes out soon.

Brette Benedict

Along with the usual detail oriented work that we do for every show, a story ballet like The Blood Countess adds countless intricate elements when it comes to the acting and character development. The main inspiration for my witch role is, as Jamey puts it, that I’m evil and I like it. I’m having quite a bit of fun creating the last bits of internal dialogue to explain my movement. (We may look like we’re just dancing, but during this whole ballet we’re all talking to ourselves.) When it comes to polishing the opening, modern day scene, everyone has been encouraging me to play off my extreme phobia of squirrels. (Odd I know, but I promise it’s a justified fear). So, I am confident that this is a definite first for me, as I will undoubtedly be picturing a squirrel on the corner of the stage when the curtain goes up.

Off to another exciting rehearsal with the musicians!

Kaitlin Fitzgerald