Fun Ballet Works for Family, Kids on Offer

By Han Sang-hee

Staff Reporter

Local ballet companies are offering interesting performances this spring, perfect to enjoy with loved ones during May, which is also known as family month.

The Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) has scheduled its popular repertoire ``Ballet With Commentary'' to begin later this month in Seoul for nine days.

This year, the troupe is joined by Seoul Ballet Theater's artistic director, James Jeon, to mix up the commentary-themed show with one of Jeon's works called ``Coppelia.''

``Ballet with Commentary'' started in 1997 and has become a steady sellout, offering viewers a bit more than pretty costumes and elegant movements.

Dancers will perform the work as usual, but others will appear on stage in costumes to explain the plot and the movements to the audience. They will also interact with viewers, communicate with them and answer questions.

``Coppelia'' is the name of a life-sized dancing doll. She was made by an old and mysterious inventor Coppelius, and her presence mocks the villagers, sending them into a world of confusion. Among the many villagers who seek the truth, a young villager Franz, falls in love with her beauty, instilling jealousy in his fiance Swanilda.

Originally written as ``Der Sandman'' by German romantic author, E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1815, ``Coppelia''' has been compared with other famous ballet works, including ``Giselle'' and ``The Nutcracker.''

KNBC's ``Coppelia'' will be staged from April 27 to May 5 at the Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.

For a more traditional twist, check out Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's ``Swan Lake.''

The classic and tragic tale of the swan princess will be interpreted in a traditional method, with dancers moving gracefully in hanbok and flat dance shoes instead of tutus and pointy ballet shoes.

``The concept of `one-source, multi-use' has touched the cultural world. This is the first time a traditional dance troupe presents a Western classical work on the stage through reinterpretation,'' the troupe said through a press release.

The work was choreographed by Lim Yi-jo, the artistic director of the dance group and also Important Intangible Cultural Asset No.97 for the Salpuri-chum, a type of dance. In order to successfully fuse ballet, Korean traditional dance and also modern dance elements, Lim worked with modern dancer and choreographer, Kim Nam-sik and also ballet choreographer, Kim Gyeong-young.

The famous group dance by the corps de ballet will be offered in stronger traditional moves, as the swan princess expresses her innocence and love toward her prince in flowing hanbok.

Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's ``Swan Lake'' will be on stage at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on May 28 and 29. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

Meanwhile, the classic fairy tale "Pinocchio" is meeting fans through ballet.

The Seoul Ballet Theater is preparing a charming performance perfect for families next month. Originally written by Italian writer Carlo Collodi in 1883, the classic tale features toymaker Geppetto's small, wooden boy-puppet who springs to life.

The adventurous journeys and understanding of friendship and love will be depicted through the ballet dancers' elegant movements, elaborate stage settings and accompanying music.

```Pinocchio makes use of the cultural concept of `crossover.'' We are setting our goals high to offer a performance free from restrictions of time, space and any other limitations. The SBT hopes to communicate with the audience and moreover help them enjoy and appreciate ballet through classical and fun performances,'' the SBT said through a press release.

Enjoy the adventure and love through the troupe's ``Pinocchio,'' which will be staged on Children's Day, May 5, and on May 6 at Sangmyung Arts Center. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.smarts.or.kr.