World's finest ballet dancers set to dazzle Korean stage

다시 한국 찾은 세계 最古 파리 오페라 발레단, 박세은 에투알 진두지휘로 예술의전당 무대 선다
On the cultural front, the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, is holding a gala performance here in Seoul from this weekend.
Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin offers us a sneak peek at the show.
With more than three centuries behind it, the Paris Opera Ballet is the world's oldest national ballet company.
Its finest dancers have come to Korea for the company's second gala performance in the country.
Leading the ensemble is Korean ballerina Park Sae-eun, who in 2021 became the first Asian dancer to be promoted to étoile, the company’s highest rank.
"Seoul Arts Center is my favorite stage in Korea. I had the chance to perform several times here about 13 years ago, and I still remember the excitement and thrill I felt on that stage. I'm really looking forward to experiencing those emotions again."
This gala is all the more special to Park as it's her first performance in her home country since becoming a mother.
Beyond performing, Park took on the role of producer, carefully selecting the repertoires and dancers for the show.
"Preparation was tough since all of our dancers had a busy season with the company. I had to work on the gala bit by bit in my spare time, but I wanted to create the best program possible. Looking back, it's all been worth it."
A total of 10 dancers, including Park, will perform 18 pieces.
Among them are lesser-seen works in Korea, such as "The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude" by William Forsythe and José Martinez's "Mi Favorita."
"Typical gala performances focus on technical feats like multiple twirls or high jumps to excite the audience, but I didn't want that. I hope the audience can feel a swirl of emotions that words or letters can't express after watching our program."
Park's visit to Korea this time isn't just about dazzling on stage.
It's also about inspiring the next generation of dancers.
She, along with fellow étoile Paul Marque, will hold a one-day class for young ballet dancers next Monday.
"We want to share how we learn and dance at French ballet schools and within our company. I hope this gives them a chance to experience the French ballet style."
"Many young dancers aspire to join our company and often ask how to get in. Our company has changed a lot, even in the 13 years I've been there, so I can't definitively say what Paris Opera Ballet looks for now. But I want to share my experience so they can find their answers."
The "Ballet Gala of Étoile in Paris" will take to the stage four times, starting this Saturday at the Seoul Arts Center's Opera Theater.
Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.
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2024-07-17, 18:00 (KST)