As autumn arrives in Seoul, two distinguished university ballet professors are embarking on exciting new chapters following their recent retirement from academia. Kim Sun-hee and Jang Seon-hee, both veteran dance experts, will present reimagined versions of beloved classic ballets at the National Theater of Korea this October, marking their transition from teaching to independent artistic endeavors under their own names.
Kim Sun-hee, an honorary professor at the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), is unveiling a major new version of "The Song of Mermaid," her adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" that she originally choreographed with the K-Arts Ballet Company in 2001. The production runs from Friday to Saturday and represents a complete artistic overhaul to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Kim has restructured every aspect of the production, from the musical score and choreography to stage and costume design.
At the center of this year's staging is a brand-new original score composed by Anton Lubchenko, who will personally conduct the orchestra during the premiere. The visual elements have also received a fresh update, with costume design newly created by Tatiana Noginova of the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre. While the plot remains faithful to Hans Christian Andersen's original tale, following the mermaid's longing for the human world, Kim's choreography delves deeper into the mermaid's psychological transformation and the weight of her difficult choices.
Over the years, "The Song of Mermaid" has showcased an impressive array of alumni who have gone on to international success, including Park Sae-eun of the Paris Opera Ballet, Chae Ji-young of Boston Ballet, and Kim Ki-min and Jeon Min-cheol of the Mariinsky Ballet. When the production was performed in Manhattan in 2018, Kim herself took the stage in the role of the prince.
For this revival, choreographer and K-Arts professor Ryu Hoi-woong has reworked the choreography, with additional creative contributions from K-Arts professor Kim Hyun-woong. The cast features dancers Son Min-ji and Kim Min-jin alternating in the lead role of the mermaid, while Lee Kang-won and Sung Jae-seung share the role of the prince. Adding contemporary appeal, Kang Kyung-ho, known from the popular dance competition show "Stage Fighter," will appear as the magical octopus, a newly expanded character that is expected to captivate audiences.
Later in October, Jang Seon-hee brings a touch of Christmas warmth with "Nutcracker in Seoul," running October 28-29. Originally adapted in 2012 and performed with her own company comprising Sejong University students, Jang's innovative version relocates the traditional 19th-century European classic to contemporary Seoul. The adaptation incorporates familiar urban details that replace the story's conventional European setting, with elements reimagined as Korean treats that local audiences can relate to.
Central to Jang's artistic vision is the character of young Clara, portrayed by a child dancer who serves as the story's anchor and helps keep young audiences deeply engaged throughout the performance. This year's production elevates the artistic quality by featuring guest principal dancers from the renowned Universal Ballet, with Lee You-rim taking on the role of Clara and Igor Kontarev performing as the Prince, bringing professional expertise to this beloved holiday classic adapted for Korean audiences.
