Be There: “Dracula: Ballet with a Bite” sinks its fangs into Columbia

With Halloween only a few skipped heartbeats away, its important to acknowledge the contributions that all genres of entertainment contribute to scaring the living daylights out of us.

Take, for example, Columbia City Ballet’s bloodthirsty contribution: “Dracula: Ballet with a Bite.” This marks the 20th performing year of the ballet based on Bram Stoker’s classic horror story.

To help ring it in with a bloody bang are the new production director K. Dale White, who recently worked in USC’s theater department, and choreography by the executive and artistic director William Starrett. The two have teamed up to bring a great fangin’ performance to life, and then death.

“We always like to do bigger and better every year,” said Alexandra Cebry, the ballet’s marketing director. “This year, we’ll be adding the part of Reinfeld from the original story. He is a slaved assistant to Dracula who will only drink the blood of flies and maggots. So it’s a unique character.”

And what else is new?

“The actual role of Dracula will be played by Leonardo Victorino, and he’s come to us from Brazil,” Cebry said. “We’ve also updated the costumes and the sets. Expect more blood, more effects and more sounds.”

The lobby of the Koger Center will be outfitted as a “hall of fame” to performances past, showcasing old newspaper clippings, posters, photos and even costumes from past performances.

“People will get a chance to appreciate and look back over the 20 performing years of ‘Dracula,’ ” Cebry said.

And if you’re looking to go to the last performance on Halloween night, come dressed to impress the life out of everyone for the costume contest.

“The creativity of a costume is what catches our eyes,” Cebry said. “And we will have prizes for the costume contest. We have gift certificates for local shops and restaurants.”

Then drag your tired bones to Liberty Tap Room for the encore party, where you can meet and greet the dancers, cast members, crew and staff.

So come, if you dare, to one of the most thrilling and pulsating performances of the ballet season. Bring a necklace made of garlic and wooden stakes if you must, but only if they’re a part of your costume.