New director, new 'Giselle': Korea's top ballet company begins next chapter
Smoke rose from the chimney of Giselle’s cottage in a rural village as the curtain went up. The opening scene revived a stage detail that had appeared in the Korean National Ballet’s 2011 premiere of the French choreographer Patrice Bart’s (1945-2025) version of “Giselle,” but had since been dropped. Other subtle changes were evident in the latest production — the company’s first regular…
The Korean National Ballet opened its latest production of "Giselle" at the Seoul Arts Center's Opera Theater, marking a new chapter for the company under the leadership of its new director and artistic director, Kim Joo-won. The performance, which ran from October 13 to the following Sunday, showcased subtle changes to the familiar ballet, as well as a bold casting decision that challenged its dancers.
The opening scene of the production featured the return of a stage detail from the 2011 premier, highlighting the company's commitment to revisiting its repertoire with a fresh perspective. The poster for the show, which had previously displayed full-length portraits of Giselle, was replaced with a composition that emphasized her upper body, underscoring the production's intention to approach the beloved ballet in a new light.
Interestingly, the dancers who took on the roles of Giselle and Albrecht across the seven performances were all making their first appearances in these iconic roles. This bold casting choice allowed six of the dancers to step into unfamiliar territory, demonstrating the company's willingness to push boundaries and explore new artistic possibilities.
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