By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Ballet fans will have the chance to delve deeper into the world of the graceful dance, as the Korea Ballet Association and National Theater of Korea are holding their first ``Ballet Expo Seoul 2008'' (BES 2008), this coming August.
Under the motto ``Ballet for All,'' this event will surely help the public batter understand the art of ballet.
At a press conference announcing the launch of the event Tuesday, Choi Sung-yi, president of the Korea Ballet Association, showed her ambition and excitement.
``This will be a new form of international festival where everything about ballet ― performances, education, and goods ― will be offered to the public,'' she said.
The festival's main objectives are the international exchange of ballet, effective marketing, and bringing dance closer to the public.
In order to fulfill these goals, the association is planning various projects such as workshops, showcases, performances and a ballet market.
Ballet workshops and showcase events will be open to dancers, choreographers, heads of ballet-related companies and fans. The committee has prepared meetings where fans can meet and talk with their favorite ballet stars, and even a lecture where ballerinas will demonstrate the basic moves of the ballet.
Visitors will also have the chance to watch performances by internationally famed ballet troupes. Tulsa Ballet and Ballet X from the United States, Aalto Ballet Theater Essen from Germany and the Ballet British Columbia from Canada will offer their unique repertoires at the venue. These troupes have never performed in Asia before, and so their performances will indeed be an intriguing event.
``As these troupes are introduced for the first time in Asia, it will be a perfect opportunity to experience the essence of contemporary ballet,'' Park In-ja, the art director of the BES 2008 said.
The ballet market is a special event. Various companies and groups related to ballet will hold a market selling ballet goods such as shoes, leotards, posters, videos and books. There will also be a booth where people can learn about the history of ballet.
As a finale, the BES 2008 will hold a ballet fashion show, which will star Korea's top ballerinas such as prima ballerina Kim Joo-won, to show off exquisite ballet costumes.
``We will do our best to bring ballet into the everyday lives of our guests. This will be a great chance for people of all ages and for the ballet business as well,'' Choi said.
The BES 2008 will run Aug. 16-23 at the National Theater of Korea. For more information call (02) 538-0505 (in Korean)