The artists of Scorpius Dance Theatre took to the stage Thursday night for the opening show of the 13th season of their staple Halloween show: “A Vampire Tale.” Dubbed “the Nutcracker of Halloween,” the show is known for its myriad of Cirque-Du-Soleil-like aerial performances and theatrical contemporary dance.
The show is the creation of Scorpius Artistic Director and Choreographer Lisa Starry, who originally sought to establish a staple production for her dance company.
After years of refining what began as a one-hour production into a performance that spans over two hours, Starry, a Halloween and vampire enthusiast at heart, is largely content with the show. Although very different from the production was in its inaugural season, this year’s opener is expected to align with Starry’s original goals for the show.
“It’s sexy, but not fetish. The audience is having fun and seeing something beautiful,” Starry said. “People get connected to it. They want to come back for more.”
Starry is by no means the only one passionate about the yearly show. Since the beginning, the production has built up quite a following, with audience members of all ages. Starry has received feedback from many audience members, most recently from a 70 year old who had been coming to each show for the last eight years.
“Everybody assumes it’s only young people, but it’s not. They are a really well-rounded group of people,” Starry said.
Although audience members this year will not observe any grandiose changes in the production from last year’s, one big change in the dance company’s calendar is piquing interest. This year’s Vampire Ball is a fundraiser for the company and a celebration of A Vampire Tale’s 13th season of production.
Starry, along with Daniel Davisson, lighting designer for Scorpius Dance Theatre and owner of Davisson Entertainment, set out to celebrate the successful season by creating a classy, alluring affair to match the Gothic grandeur and creativity of the company’s classic production.
Friday’s Vampire Ball was inspired by Starry and the company’s tours through Europe, and Starry’s own experience at Gothic clubs and researching underground Vampire Balls in cities like New Orleans. The sold-out ball, hosted by Vamp Faris DuVal, will encompass aerial arts, as well as excerpts from the production. It will also showcase body art and a performance by fetish model Perish Dignam.
Starry expects the event will attract devoted fans as well as many new faces. There will be an enforced dress code, but there are many different suggested dress themes for attendees.
These range from Dracula to ancient Egyptian to Venetian carnival — even a black suit or dress will suffice. The night is expected to be a fun-filled event for those eager to dance the night away, as well as people-watchers perched on the sidelines.
“They’re going to see a lot of sexy, but tasteful dancing, art, good food and it’s going to be a really great, safe night,” Starry said.
Many of the audience members at last night’s show were returning, having seen the show in years past. This was Aaron Engelbeck’s fourth time watching the production.
“There’s nothing like it, ” Engelbeck said. “It’s the only production around Halloween that’s artistic and sexy at the same time. I look forward to it every year.”
The show also captured the attention of some first-time attendees, including Marcia Solochek, who said the talent distinguishes this production from others in the Valley.
“I just love the vibe,” Solochek said. “I can appreciate the physical side of the dance as well as the costuming.”
Contact the reporter Brielle.Ashford@asu.edu.
