By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Korean dancers from renowned ballet troupes around the world are coming to town to show off their talents to local fans. The Korea World Dance Stars Festival 2008 will be held July 24-27, with unique performances presented by prominent dancers.
The festival first started in 2001 to help Korean dancers expand their talents to other international troupes and also exchange cultural and artistic perspectives. Ever since its launch, various repertoires have been staged, including classic, contemporary ballet and modern dance.
This year, fans will meet Korean dancers who have never performed on the local dance scene. Dancers from the Dutch National Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, Russia's Boris Eifman Ballet, Canada's Suddenly Dance Theater, the U.S.' Koresh Dance Company and Belgium's Les Ballets C. de la B will perform with their original partners to introduce their own distinctive style of dance.
Among the star-studded cast, the event organizers hinted that Ye Hyo-seoung, from the Les Ballets C. de la B, has prepared a unique performance. The Belgian troupe is renowned for its somewhat surreal presentation and movements, and Ye will introduce his expertise through his work ``KY2002YK.''
Choe Lina, the first Korean to become the principal dancer of Russia's Boris Eifman Ballet early this year, is another dancer to watch for. Choe will join fellow dancer Sergei Volobuiev and perform the pas de deux from Eifman's ``Red Giselle'' and ``Anna Karerina.''
The Koresh Dance Company will appear as the special guest troupe, performing ``Hidden Drives'' and ``One of Twenty.'' Both works are being staged for the first time in Korea.
To add more excitement and even some competition to the festival, local favorites including KNBC's principal dancer Lee Won-chul, UBIN Dance art director Lee Yong-in and Universal Ballet's Lim Hye-kyoung will join other local dancers to present their work to fans.
This year's programs are particularly special as five performances will have their world premiere here in Korea, while nine will be introduced to Korean fans for the first time. The Dutch National Ballet, the Suddenly Dance Theater and the Les Ballets C. de la B will use this event to showcase their latest works.
The organizers have prepared a short preview and even a ballet class for children. At the preview, visitors can watch a short clip of the performances and also chat with dancers. Anyone who is interested can simply visit the venue and explore the world of ballet with professional dancers. The ballet class is for elementary school children and is limited to 15 participants. For more information on the ballet preview call (02) 760-4840 and for the ballet class, (02) 3392-5721.
The Korea World Dance Stars Festival 2008 will be held July 24-26 at the Arko Arts Theater and the last performance will be held July 27 at the Nowon Culture & Art Center in northern Seoul. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.ipap.co.kr or call (02) 3674-2210.