Dracula Ballet by Chiara Ajkun
About Dracula Ballet
Dracula Ballet is an original contemporary ballet choreographed by Chiara Ajkun for the Ajkun Ballet Theatre in New York City. Recognized as a distinctive Dracula Ballet NYC production, the work combines modern ballet, theatrical storytelling, and cinematic staging to explore themes of sovereignty, war, betrayal, and human resilience.
Dracula Ballet stands as a landmark modern gothic ballet and a definitive cornerstone of The Originals collection. Conceived and choreographed by Chiara Ajkun, the creator of Modern Ballet and a defining voice of contemporary choreography, this production is a visceral reclamation of the historical Vlad III. Performed internationally by the Ajkun Ballet Theatre to critical acclaim, this work purposefully departs from fictional caricatures to explore the explosive reality of power, sovereignty, and the human cost of defending a nation.
“Inspired by the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire and the European efforts to save their lands, Chiara Ajkun brings onstage her story on the real Dracula. Her ballet is lush, brilliant, choreographically superb, and visually spectacular. Tafaj, beautifully supple, is a dream lover and a ferocious warrior with a sinister penchant for mind play. Burbine is delicately beautiful and elegant. Intrigues, danger, and love keep you glued to your seat.”
— Featured in: Best Shows in NYC Right Now
Chiara Ajkun: The Defining Voice of Modern Ballet
As innovator of Modern Ballet, Chiara Ajkun has established a subversive artistic vision that pushes the boundaries of the classical form. Her work with the Ajkun Ballet Theatre is characterized by a highly athletic style that pushes dancers to the edge of human fragility and strength. In Dracula Ballet, Ajkun’s original ballet choreography marries couture-level precision with a vibrant artistic vitality, pairing the cinematic intensity of her staging with the sublime touch of a master.
The Libretto: A Truth Reclaimed
Written by Chiara Ajkun, the libretto for this contemporary gothic ballet focuses on the truths, legends, and legacies of Prince Vlad Dracul III. Rejecting the sensationalized vampire myths of the 19th century, this is an epic tale of passion, heroism, and the brutal realities of the 15th-century Balkans.
1462: The Defense of Walachia
The Ottoman Empire has consumed the separate kingdoms of the Balkans, leaving Walachia standing alone and defiant under the command of Vlad III, Dracula. The narrative opens as Dracula’s salah (Islamic prayer) is disrupted by the haunting memories of his DevÅŸirme captivity. Faced with divided loyalties, Dracula chooses the country of his birth over the empire of his upbringing, heading to the battlefield to halt the Ottoman conquest of European lands.
Espionage and Sovereignty
As the armies of Dracula and Sultan Mehmed II (The Conqueror) clash, a web of espionage unfolds within the Ajkun Ballet Theatre’s staged household. A mole, disguised as a chambermaid, threatens the security of the realm. Amidst the violence of war, the reunion between Dracula and his wife, Mina, reignites a passionate fire- a moment of profound humanity before the tragedy of betrayal and suspected poisoning spirals the Prince into his legendary wrath.
Original Ballet Choreography & Cinematic Score
The original choreography of Dracula ballet is a study in extremes. Utilizing the athletic prowess of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre dancers, the production features explosive fights and intense love scenes that demand peak physical performance. The principal dancers in Dracula ballet were coached by internationally acclaimed ballet artist Herman Cornejo, contributing additional artistic refinement and dramatic precision to the production. The visual language of the ballet draws from gothic dance theater, historical drama, and cinematic movement traditions.
The production is further elevated by an extraordinary music selection curated by Chiara Ajkun, creating a cinematic atmosphere that bridges 15th-century folk traditions with modern intensity. The score includes (in alphabetical order):
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Arabic Ottoman Folk Music of Aleppo
Luca Antonini
Ivan Bertolla
Eric Buffat
CVrtoon
Francesco De Leonardis
Guido Gavazzi
Philip Glass
Jesper Kyd
John Lunn & Eivør
Fabrizio Martini
Ennio Morricone
Eric Neveux
Lindsey Stirling
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Dracula Ballet by Chiara Ajkun and the Ajkun Ballet Theatre, an original contemporary ballet inspired by the historical Prince Vlad III Dracula.
The trailer reveals the production’s cinematic staging, athletic choreography, and historical atmosphere, introducing audiences to the world of Dracula Ballet through movement, music, and visual storytelling.
History vs. Fiction: The Real Prince Vladimir Dracul III
Chiara Ajkun's ballet adaptation of Dracula takes a definitive stake against the fictionalization of Prince Vladimir Dracul III (1431-1476). While popular literature later labeled him a "vampire," history records a military strategic leader who defended Europe from the Ottoman invasion. Romanian folklore remembers him as an undying hero and a fiercely loyal prince.
This contemporary ballet production restores the dignity of the historical "Son of the Dragon.", positioning the work within the international landscape of contemporary ballet and primary reference point for ballet in New York.
Explore the Ajkun Ballet Theatre Collection
To further discover the artistic world of Chiara Ajkun and the company, please visit the following authoritative resources:
The Creator: About Chiara Ajkun, Creator of Modern Ballet
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The Originals: The Originals Collection & Original Art
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Official Home: Ajkun Ballet Theatre Official Website
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Performances: Current Performances by Ajkun Ballet Theatre
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Support Creativity: Creativity Matters! Supporting the Creation of Original Ballet and New Art
Artistic Note. Dracula Ballet by Chiara Ajkun is a quintessential example of how contemporary choreography can breathe new life into ancient shadows, pushing the edge of human strength to reveal the fragility of the soul.​