MUSCATINE, Iowa — Domingo Rubio was an 18-year-old architectural student when he realized his passion for ballet.

“I used to play piano for dance classes,” he said Thursday. “And I decided I wanted to try dance and see what would happen.”

This weekend, Muscatine-area residents can watch Rubio perform the role of Dracula in the Ballet Quad Cities production of “Dracula Returns” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Muscatine Center for the Performing Arts. The one-act ballet is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel.

Rubio knew he had a lot of catching up to do when he began studying dance for the first time at 18, but his intimate relationship with music carried him forward.

“Musicality makes a difference,” he said. “It makes things fall into place.”

By the time he was 20, Rubio, now 44, was studying in New York.

Even he was a little surprised.

“As a child, I had this perception, ‘Men in tights?’” he laughs and shakes his head.

Rubio spent portions of his career in Chicago and New York, retiring from the Joffrey Ballet in 2003.

Today, he prefers living in Mexico City, where he is close to his father,

Guillermo Rubio, and sister, Rosaura.

His passion for the arts extends to his art studio where he creates bronze and wire and mesh sculpture and designs jewelry.

Joedy Cook, executive director of Ballet Quad Cities, refers to Rubio as a Renaissance man.

 “The artists’ world, I love it,” said Rubio. “We are crazy people dreaming of a different world.”

Deanna Carter, assistant professor of dance at the University of Iowa, choreographed “Dracula Returns,” for Ballet Quad Cities in 2007. She asked Rubio, whom she had met in Mexico, to perform as Dracula.

“It doesn’t get easier with time,” said Rubio, referring to performing in his 40s. “You get mature and your body doesn’t listen anymore.”

But his natural ability and enthusiasm combine to create a youthful presence and commanding performance on stage.

And his love for dancing with a company inspires him.

“We know our own truth,” said Rubio. “To open our hearts to the audience, we embody certain characters.”

This marks the third year Rubio has traveled to this region to perform with the Rock Island, Ill.-based Ballet Quad-Cities.

But things are different this time.

It was during this same season in 2008 that Rubio’s mother, Iole Fornasier, passed away unexpectedly.

“She was 68 and more energetic than any of us,”  Rubio said during a break from a rehearsal at  Central Middle School.

He fondly recalled his mother’s colorful Italian temperament and joyful support of his artistic endeavors.

“Last year was special for us,” said Rubio.  “We had good blessings all along. And we should be grateful for that.”

Online: www.balletquadcities.com

www.domingorubio.com

What: Ballet Quad Cities presents “Dracula Returns”

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

Where: Muscatine Center for the Performing Arts, 901 Cedar St.

Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for students. Available at Hy-Vee, 2400 Second Ave., and at the door.

More information:  Call Ballet Quad Cities at 309-786-3779