By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
As one of the most memorable and beautiful love stories of all time, ``Romeo and Juliet'' has been portrayed in movies, performances and songs. The tragic love story will once again be staged this spring through ballet, and Korea's celebrated ballerina Kim Joo-won will bring the fragile yet strong spirited Juliet to life.
Kim looked tired from ongoing rehearsals, but her eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked about the upcoming performance.
``It's `Romeo and Juliet.' Everybody already knows so much about the story. Being a familiar piece, I have to think about every little detail,'' she told The Korea Times.
Although the plot seems familiar, the ballet performed by the Korea National Ballet will be different, as world-renowned choreographer Yuri Grigorovich directed the choreography.
``Grigorovich is a living legend. We have so much history together. I was very honored when he said that he thought of me as his Asian muse,'' Kim said.
This is the first time to stage Grigorovich's ``Romeo and Juliet.'' His version is based on the classical form of ballet, which is considered to be the most formal. As there are certain features and techniques that must be presented, it is more difficult for dancers to express their emotions through required movements.
In presenting Juliet in her own style, Kim said that she was doing her best to transform into the heroine.
``I have tried to get my hands on everything that holds the story of Juliet. I've been reading the original play of `Romeo and Juliet' and even started to take acting classes,'' she said.
Considering her vast experience on stage here and abroad, it may seem natural for the prima ballerina to feel somewhat comfortable behind the curtains, but Kim said that she feels different every time.
``It's not about me being on stage, under the spotlight. It's hard to explain, but I can feel the audience,'' Kim said, adding that there was one incident that helped her realize why she was doing ballet.
``I got a letter from a mother of two young children when the nation was shaken by the so-called IMF depression. Battered by financial difficulties, she came to a free performance, Giselle,'' she said.
The mother sent Kim a letter, saying that the experience raised her spirits and helped her regain her strength and hopes.
``Art is not something that can drastically change society. Rather, it helps people appreciate their feelings and regain their composure in such busy times. This is why I do ballet,'' she said.
Kim had the chance to realize where she stood not only as a ballerina, but also an artist not so long ago. In 2007, Kim surprised the public with her nude photos she took for a local fashion magazine. She had part of her salary deducted as a disciplinary action, but it was an opportunity to learn that not all followed her perspective of art.
``Ballet is like a rehearsal for me. Everything in my life is presented on stage, and through ballet, I communicate with the world. If you want to know me better, it would be easier to just watch me dance. Ballet is not just about the movements, but the life that I have been living. I don't think everyone will understand what I portray. Some may understand, while some may not. It was another experience for me,'' Kim said
Her goals as a ballerina? ``I don't like the expressions `the best,' or `number one.' If this were a competition, I would have finished long ago. Ballet is a process by which I discover myself. I just want to share it with the audience,'' Kim said.
``Romeo and Juliet'' will meet fans April 16-19 at the National Theater of Korea. For more information, visit www.kballet.org (in Korean).