Latest news with #UniversalBallet
Korea Herald
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Dancing Mongryong, Russian dancer steps into Korea's most romantic role in 'Chunhayng'
Igor Kontarev becomes 4th foreigner to perform as Mongryong in Universal Ballet's 'The Love of Chunhyang' In ballet, there is Prince Siegfried in 'Swan Lake,' Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet' and, in Universal Ballet's repertoire, there is Mongryong in 'The Love of Chunhyang.' This weekend, Russian-born ballerino Igor Kontarev will step into one of Korea's most beloved folkloric roles, as the company brings its signature reinterpretation of the classic tale. The production returns to the stage for the first time in three years, with the soloist making history as only the fourth foreign dancer to take on the role. 'I was really surprised, first of all, because I'm a foreigner, and not many foreigners do this,' Kontarev said in an interview with The Korea Herald on Tuesday. 'I know it's a really big responsibility to do this kind of role which is so important for Korean culture and for Korean audiences.' Premiered in 2007, 'The Love of Chunhyang' brings the beloved folktale of Chunhyang, the daughter of a courtesan, and Mongryong, the son of a local aristocrat, into ballet set to Tchaikovsky's music. It is choreographed by Universal Ballet's artistic director Liu Bingxian, who is also known for 'Sim Chung' and 'Korean Emotion.' Having been with the company for nearly a decade, Kontarev was already familiar with the story. But preparing to step into Mongryong's shoes meant delving deeper into its cultural nuances. He said it was interesting to observe how the choreography reflected family dynamics across different social classes. 'The difference between Mongryong with his father and Chunhyang with her mother stood out to me. Mongryong is more calm with his father, always faces him, shows respect and bows with courtesy — which I think he was taught from a very young age. And Chunhyang feels more free with her mother.' Taking on the role has also meant intensive rehearsals and hours in the studio. A key part of the process, Kontarev said, was adapting to the unique stylistic features of Korean folk aesthetics embedded in the choreography. 'One of the biggest advantages was to learn firsthand from the choreographer Liu himself. And I'm really thankful for Hyang-gee (who plays Chunghyang). They gave me time to take in the different style,' he said. The ballet features three pas de deux between Chunhyang and Mongryong — each one mapping the couple's emotional journey, from the tender thrill of their first night together to the heartbreak of separation and, finally, their highly emotional reunion. Kontarev said the final duet was his favorite. 'It starts from the moment when Chunhyang drops into Mongryong's arms and he doesn't understand what happened to her. He first feels guilt, sorrow because this happened because of him,' he said. 'This is the highest emotional moment in the piece with all different emotions: joy and happiness and everything here. Even in practice, the emotion sometimes goes over your body, over your muscles.' What he can say for certain is that he cannot wait to meet the audience on stage. That, he says, is when the real art begins. 'When you touch the stage, when you see the audience, you understand what the art of ballet truly is,' he said. 'It's not just hard physical work — it then becomes art the moment you meet the audience, with the lights, the set, everything. You have to be inside the story.' So, he's leaving it to the audience to decide how he did. 'We are dancers but and actors, too. Sometimes, we have to show something we haven't felt yet,' he said. 'But the more I dance, the more deeply I understand the character. So let the audience see that, and let them be the judge.' 'The Love of Chunhyang' runs from Friday to Sunday at the Seoul Arts Center. Kontarev performs at 2 p.m. on Saturday alongside principal dancer Hong Hyang-gee. The production will travel to Daegu for performances on June 20 and 21.
Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ballet Festival Korea welcomes season of connection and legacy
Following Johan Inger double bill, the festival continues with rich lineup of performances through May-June As late spring melts into early summer, Seoul once again turns to ballet to usher in the season with elegance and power. The 15th edition of Ballet Festival Korea kicked off on May 9, with a double bell from the newly established Seoul Metropolitan Ballet — "Walking Mad" and "Bliss" — by acclaimed Swedish choreographer Johan Inger, running through Sunday. This year's program under the theme of connection, brings together 12 dance companies for 26 performances and five accompanying events, ranging from artist talks to outreach programs. This edition also marks the first festival under the artistic direction of Kim Joo-won, a former principal ballerina with the Korean National Ballet and a 2006 recipient of the prestigious Benois de la Danse. Appointed last October as both director and artistic head of the festival committee, Kim shared her vision during a recent press conference at the Seoul Arts Center. 'This festival is an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of Korean ballet.' One of the festival's centerpiece events is "ConneXion" with Choi Tae-ji and Julia Moon at CJ Towol Theater in Seoul, May 28. The performance honors two trailblazers of Korean ballet -- former Korean National Ballet artistic director Choi and Universal Ballet director Moon -- and retraces their artistic legacies through tribute performances by KNB and Universal Ballet dancers. 'People used to call us rivals,' Choi said. 'But in truth, we were colleagues who shared our hopes and concerns for ballet. The growth of the Korean National Ballet was made possible in large part thanks to Universal Ballet's presence.' A highlight of this year's lineup is the participation of three regional companies. Following Seoul Metropolitan Ballet's opening, Gwangju City Ballet and Busan Opera House Ballet will also take the stage. Gwangju City Ballet, with a 49-year history, will present "Coppelia" on May 31 at the CJ Towol Theater. The romantic comedy ballet has been rechoreographed by artistic director Park Kyung-sook in previous stagings in 1997 and 2002. This marks the first full-length performance of "Coppelia" in Seoul in 30 years, since Universal Ballet's production in 1995. On June 4, Busan Opera House Ballet will present "Shining Wave," a contemporary piece choreographed by Park So-yeon and inspired by the sea and whales of Busan. Also at CJ Towol Theater, Ryu Hoi-woong's "Life of Ballerino: Dreamer" will be performed June 7-8, featuring male ballet dancers from Mnet's dance competition "Stage Fighter," including Kang Kyung-ho. The piece highlights the physicality and artistic journey of male dancers in a traditionally female-dominated field. From June 13 to 15, Universal Ballet returns with "The Love of Chunhyang," choreographed by artistic director Liu Bing-xian. Since its premiere in 2007, this ballet adaptation of the classic Korean folktale has become one of the company's signature works. Meanwhile, the small Jayu Theater will feature six emerging choreographers and companies selected through an open national call. These works will be presented in three double bills: Paik Yon Ballet Project Y's "The Path to Beauty 2.0" and Aham Art Project's "Waiting for Godot" on June 12-13, Dastanz' "123.45MHz" and Seo Gibum MuTanz Project's "The Room" on June 17-18, and finally Movement momm's "The Earth" and Project Cloud Nine's "Heart of the Wild" on June 21-22.
Korea Herald
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Jeon Min-chul wins top prize at ballet's Youth America Grand Prix
South Korean dancer Jeon Min-chul won the Grand Prix title at the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest student ballet competition in Tampa, Florida, on Friday. Jeon competed in the senior men's division held April 21-27 and was named the overall Grand Prix winner -- the highest award given across all divisions and age groups. Jeon performed Albrecht's variation from "Giselle" in the finals, a piece he had recently danced with the Universal Ballet on April 18 and 20. Jeon's win marks the fifth time a South Korean dancer has claimed the top honor at the prestigious international competition, following Seo Hee (2003), principal dancer of American Ballet Theatre; Kim Ki-min (2012), principal at the Mariinsky Ballet; Jun Joon-hyuk (2016), soloist with The Royal Ballet; and Park Geon-hee (2024) of Korea National University of Arts. Jeon previously competed in the YAGP junior division in 2019, reaching the finals, and returned in 2023 to claim first place in the senior classical pas de deux and third place in the senior solo category. The 20-year-old dancer made headlines last year when it was announced he would join the Mariinsky Ballet Company, becoming only the second Korean to do so after Kim Ki-min in 2012. Founded in 2000, the Youth America Grand Prix is the largest international ballet competition, open to dancers aged 9 to 19. This year, more than 12,000 dancers from around the world participated in the preliminary rounds, with approximately 2,000 dancers from 41 countries advancing to the finals.
Korea Herald
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Rising ballet stars step into tragedy of 'Giselle'
Riding standout 2024, soloists Lee You-rim, Lim Sun-u soar into 2025 with a story of romance, regret and redemption Few works in the classical ballet canon are as enduring or as emotionally charged as 'Giselle.' A quintessential romantic masterpiece, the ballet tells the story of a beautiful peasant girl named Giselle, who falls in love with a nobleman in disguise, Albrecht, only to die of heartbreak upon discovering he is betrothed to another. While the first act is filled with youthful first love, celebration and a radiant atmosphere, the second act marks a dramatic shift, unfolding at Giselle's grave, steeped in grief, regret and a subdued emotional palette, as if shrouded in mist. Running Friday through April 27 at Seoul Arts Center, Universal Ballet's upcoming production 'Giselle' will mark the debut of two promising soloists -- Lee You-rim as Giselle and Lim Sun-u as Albrecht -- who will perform together on Sunday evening and Wednesday. 'It's a classical ballet, but the acting is just as important as the dancing like a drama ballet. Every step and every glance carries meaning, ' said Lee in a recent interview with The Korea Herald. Lee described Giselle's journey as a stark transformation, from an innocent village girl to a spirit still tethered by love. 'In Act 2, I want it to feel like you're watching a ballet underwater -- subdued, flowing, as if everything is soaked in grief. Even the port de bras feels like it's dripping with water, like tears falling from every gesture.' For Lim, the shift in Albrecht's arc is just as profound. 'At first, he's just flirting, drawn to a beautiful girl,' he said. 'It's only in the second act, when he sees Giselle again as a spirit, that he realizes what real love is. That's when remorse and true love really set in.' While 'Giselle' is often remembered for its lyrical serenity, it is physically intense, Lim explained. 'There are a lot of jumps, and it's easier to jump when you're happy, but more challenging to express that sadness while jumping. I think the audience will find it interesting to see the contrast between Act 1 and Act 2.' Breakthrough year of 2024 Lee and Lim first shared the stage as leads in 'The Nutcracker' last year, and 'Giselle' is their second full-length ballet as a romantic duo. Both had a standout 2024, setting personal and professional milestones that saw them leap farther into the spotlight. Lee, who danced with the Hungarian National Ballet for seven years before joining Universal Ballet in 2023, gained recognition last year for her performances as Juliet in Kenneth MacMillan's 'Romeo and Juliet' and Nikiya in 'La Bayadere.' 'I don't know if I've ever had a year so full of happiness. It was everything I had hoped for as a dancer -- new roles, new challenges and the opportunity to keep learning.' Julia Moon, general director of Universal Ballet, at a press conference for Romeo and Juliet" had highlighted Lee's emotional depth as one of her strengths. Lee secured the role through an audition. 'There are scenes the audience doesn't see on stage -- what happened just before, or what might happen afterward -- and I try to imagine all of that. I think it makes the emotions more real. Even when I step onstage from the wings, I'm not just 'entering' as a character. I try to already be in it.' Lim, too, is savoring an emotional comeback. A former child performer who, at age 11, played Billy in the Korean premiere of the musical 'Billy Elliot,' he made headlines again in 2017 when he placed eighth at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. But shortly after being promoted to demi-soloist at the Universal Ballet Company in 2020, he suffered a serious shin injury that sidelined him for nearly three years. Last year, he made a dazzling comeback, performing as Bluebird in "Sleeping Beauty" and Golden Idol in "La Bayadere." 'Just being able to dance again made last year incredibly special for me,' Lim said. He was tentative at first, dancing everyday with the constant fear: 'What if it happens again?' Rehearsing as the Bluebird in "Sleeping Beauty" -- he was injured performing that very role back in 2020 -- brought everything back, he recalled. "But by the end of the year, I was finally able to move with more ease," he said. Above all, the two dancers hoped their performance in 'Giselle' resonates with audiences as a source of solace. 'We dance because it makes us feel joy. And I hope the audience can feel that too,' said Lim. 'People make time to come to the theater -- not just to be entertained, but because they're seeking something more. Maybe comfort, or a kind of emotional connection. I hope 'Giselle' can offer that,' added Lee. hwangdh@
Korea Herald
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Universal Ballet brings 'Giselle' in spring run
Ballerino Jeon Min-chul to perform as Albrecht before joining Mariinsky Universal Ballet will present "Giselle," one of the most beloved romantic ballets, at the Seoul Arts Center's Opera Theater from April 18 to 27. A timeless tale of love, betrayal and devotion beyond death, "Giselle" follows the tragic love story of a beautiful peasant girl, Giselle, and a nobleman in disguise, Albrecht. When his true identity is revealed, Giselle is driven to madness and dies of heartbreak. The ballet's libretto was written by 19th-century French poet Theophile Gautier, inspired by a passage in Heinrich Heine's "De l'Allemagne" (On Germany) about the mythical Wilis -- spirits of maidens who died before their weddings. The choreography is by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, with music composed by Adolphe Adam. Premiered in France in 1841, "Giselle" was first introduced to Korean audiences in 1985 by Universal Ballet. The production is celebrated as a cornerstone of the ballet blanc, or white ballet, tradition, where ballerinas dressed in flowing white costumes create an ethereal aesthetic. The second act, featuring the corps de ballet as the Wilis -- the ghostly spirits of maidens betrayed by their lovers -- is particularly renowned for its floating, otherworldly ambience. For this run, seven different principal pairs will take the stage over 11 performances. Ballerino Jeon Min-chul, who is set to join the Mariinsky Ballet, will perform with Universal Ballet's principal dancer Hong Hyang-gee in an exclusive performance on April 20. Jeon made his full-length ballet debut as Solor in Universal Ballet's production of "La Bayadere" in September last year. Universal Ballet will take "Giselle" on tour, with performances in Ulsan (March 21-22), Sejong (March 28-29), Goyang, Gyeonggi Province (April 5-6) and Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province (May 2-3).
