CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – The Official West Virginia State Ballet, the Charleston Ballet, announces its 2024–2025 season, A CREATIVE FORCE. The 69th season includes DRACULA: THE SEDUCTION, the holiday classic THE NUTCRACKER with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and BALLET.ESSENTIAL, a mixed-bill performance.
DRACULA: THE SEDUCTION will be performed October 18, at 7:30 p.m. and October 19, at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum Theater. Experience the haunting allure of DRACULA: The Seduction! An enchanting story of Miranda, a gypsy maiden who becomes entangled with the mysterious Count Dracula against a backdrop of vampires, gypsies, bats, and the haunting brides of Dracula. This production unfolds with eerie beauty and the suspenseful score of Emmy award-winner Anthony DiLorenzo. DRACULA: The Seduction promises a memorable performance of passion and danger!
Also returning this year is the DRACULA’s BALL. Join us in costume for a night filled with fun that you can sink your fangs into. This event will take place from 9–11:30 p.m. at the Charleston Town Center Marriott after the Friday, October 18 performance. Costumes are encouraged.
The timeless ballet classic of THE NUTCRACKER will be performed at the Clay Center on December 13, at 7:30 p.m. and December 14, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for the holidays. We are proud to present this annual tradition featuring the exceptional talents of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Join Clara as she embarks on a magical journey with the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of the Sweets. Two daytime performances will be presented for West Virginia students on December 11 and 12 at 11 am.
BALLET.ESSENTIAL rounds out the season March 14–15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum Theater. Join us as we complete our 2024-2025 season of mesmerizing performances exhibiting the rich tapestry of dance genres. Our talented dancers will explore the grace and beauty of LES SYLPHIDES, the rhythmic pulse of AFRICAN IMAGES, and more! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience ballet at its finest.
Andre Van Damme founded the Charleston Ballet, the Official West Virginia State Ballet, in 1956. A Belgian native, Van Damme achieved great success as the first star dancer with the Brussels Royal Opera. His vision was to provide stage experience in a professional atmosphere for West Virginia dancers and create a greater appreciation for the art of ballet. That vision continues today under the artistic direction of Kim R. Pauley. The troupe has been a pioneer among regional ballet companies in the United States. For nearly 70 years, the civic troupe has enriched the cultural life of West Virginia by performing hundreds of traditional and original ballets. The company has a reputation for high-quality professional performances, artistic integrity, and a strong social conscience.
For ticket and season information, call 304-342-6541 or visit www.thecharlestonballet.com
