Interpreting Beethoven, Stravinsky in ballet

Kim Ji-young, left, and Kim Hyun-woong will headline the Korea National Ballet’s “The Seventh Symphony.” / Courtesy of Korea National Ballet

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Korean National Ballet (KNB) presents modern ballet pieces "The Seventh Symphony" and "The Rite of Spring” at the Opera Theater of Seoul Arts Center from Thursday to Sunday.

The double bill of modern ballet sharply contrasts Beethoven, who represents the 19th century, and Stravinsky, whose preposterous music is the symbol of the early 20th century.

The choreography of these two pieces combines modern dance to neo classical ballet technique, which is something utterly new to the company members. Instead of dancing with grace in white tutu and pointe shoe, dancers jump and spin full of energy in simple costume revealing body as it is.

"The Seventh Symphony," choreographed by German dancer Uwe Scholz, visualizes Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7 in A major Op. 92" in dance movements. Unlike conventional choreography, the piece hires music not composed solely for ballet and uses dancers like notes on a music score.

Dancers of the Korea National Ballet rehearse for Glen Tetley’s “The Rite of Spring,” which will be staged at Seoul Arts Center from Thursday to Sunday.

Kim Ji-young and Kim Hyun-woong will alternate the lead role with Lee Jae-woo and Lee Eun-won.

"The Rite of Spring" is known for its dynamic, emotional movements inspired by rituals celebrating the advent of spring, accompanied with Stravinsky’s music.

The modern dance sensation comes to Korea some 100 years after its scandalous premiere in Paris. The Korean premiere is a 1974 version choreographed by Glen Tetley.

Two corps de ballet dancers make a surprise debut as principals in "The Rite of Spring." Jeon Ho-jin, 23, will perform the Chosen One and Joung Eun-young, 21, will dance the goddess of earth.

Both of them were handpicked by the trainer from the Glen Tetley Legacy, who came to Korea to teach the choreography. As the choreography requires them to use different muscles those are not used in classical ballet, the dancers are putting extra energy in rehearsing the visceral and energetic movements.

Stuttgart Ballet's former principal dancer Alexander Zaitsev will guest-star as the Chosen One on Friday and Saturday evening.

This is the dance company's first new work presented under new artistic director Kang Sue-jin's term and expectations are high.

Kang, who took the post in February, aims to diversify the company's repertoire which was mainly classical ballet, and "The Seventh Symphony" and "The Rite of Spring" are her first venture.

Kang said she wanted the KNB dancers to become omnidirectional, covering both classical and modern movements and the double bill will help them taking a leap forward. Both choreographed by German dancers, reflecting Kang’s long experience at the Stuttgart Ballet.

Tickets cost from 5,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.kballet.org or call (02) 587-6181.