Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
'Ballet Dream' to reveal magic behind curtain to deepen appreciation for dance
Poster for "Ballet Dream" / Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
By Park Jin-hai
In an effort to deepen audiences' appreciation for ballet, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is bringing together active ballet dancers, a choreographer and a costume designer to share their artistry both on and off the stage.
"Ballet Dream," directed by Choi Tae-ji, a legendary figure in Korean ballet, will showcase highlights from famous ballet works such as "The Nutcracker," "La Bayadère" and "La Esmeralda."
Choi, who served as a former artistic director of the Korea National Ballet, has significantly bridged the gap between ballet and the public by staging narrated ballet performances, which included friendly explanations to enhance audience understanding.
In the upcoming "Ballet Dream," she will take this concept a step further by introducing a guest talk segement with ballerino Kim Se-yong, known as one of the first Koreans to portray Billy in the musical "Billy Elliot" in 2010; choreographer Ryu Hoi-woong, who participated in the Mnet's dance survival show "Stage Fighterl"; and ballet costume designer Chung Han-ah.
In these interactive sessions, participants will share stories of their personal experiences as ballet dancers, ballet movements and mime, along with the hidden secrets of ballet costumes, to offer an intimate look into the world of ballet.
A handful of Korea's top-tier ballet dancers, including Cho Hee-won, a seasonal dancer with the Seoul Metropolitan Ballet and first-place winner in the Senior Pas de Deux category at the Vienna International Ballet Experience; Park Ji-soo, who secured second place at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, one of the world's top five ballet competitions; Lee Taek-young, who won second place at the Seoul International Dance Competition; Lee Eun-soo, recipient of the gold medal in the general division of the Dong-A Dance Competition; and Kim Eun-seo, who claimed the grand prize at the Scholarship International Ballet Competition, will also take part in "Ballet Dream."
The performance will take place at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on April 26 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.