A scene from the performance of’We, Again: The Ballet’ jointly organized by the National Ballet and KBS. YouTube capture
On the 24th, KBS co-planned and broadcasted with the National Ballet Company, and was criticized for being an out of date violent project.
KBS and the National Ballet produced the program, saying, “We will deliver a message of consolation and hope to Korea, which is tired of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19).” Kang Soo-jin, the head of the National Ballet, who appeared in the first half of the program also explained, “It was a difficult time for everyone because of the crisis and our daily life collapsed.
Accordingly, members of the National Ballet performed outdoor performances at 7 major domestic attractions. ‘Swan Lake’ at the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, and’The Swan of the Swan’ at Taepyeong Salt Farm in Sinan, Jeollanam-do. In addition, in Bulguksa, Gyeongju,’seasons; ‘Spring’,’Pirates’ in Seoul Ham Park,’Sleeping Beauty’ in Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest,’Henan Seolheon’ in Hadong Park, Gyeongnam, and’Robate’ at Culture Station Seoul 284.
The National Ballet introduced this project as “a ballet that jumped out of the salt field, on the asphalt, to the toe shoes” through a teaser video foretelling this project. In addition, he said, “It is a new challenge for the national ballet,” and also expressed his intention to “go beyond the limit”.
A scene from the performance of’We, Again: The Ballet’ jointly organized by the National Ballet and KBS. YouTube capture
A scene from the performance of’We, Again: The Ballet’ jointly organized by the National Ballet and KBS. YouTube capture
When the National Ballet announced last month, there was a reaction that “expected” among ballet fans who were unable to find the venue. However, a headwind blew after the performance scene was revealed. The figures of the members dancing in the harsh conditions of the cold in winter, asphalt and salt pans brought a backlash.
Negative comments were mainly on the official YouTube account of the National Ballet, which posted the video of the outdoor performance. It is generally a criticism of the abuse of the members. “If you dance on the rough floor, your toe shoes will be broken, and the shock will damage the joints of the painful dancers in every corner of your body.”, “It’s not passion, it’s abuse. You still think it’s a getto-soul that destroys a person’s body,” “Do not wrap abuse as art”, “I couldn’t see how hard I had to wear toe shoes on asphalt, salt farms, and dirt roads.”
“I think this is the plan to see in 2020. It is a project that does not fit the times, saying, “People want to be able to perform safely on stage and do not want this 1990’s’fighting effort’ myth.” Points were also lined up.
The same was true for the comment on the KBS YouTube account that posted the same video.
Regarding this, the National Ballet said, “We made a video to comfort the people in difficult times,” and explained that “they voluntarily participated with the consent of the members.” He also added that although there is a part that he directed, he considered both the health and safety of the member.
However, such an explanation is also being criticized for not gaining sympathy and being merely an excuse. It is pointed out that the members would have had no choice but to’voluntarily agree’ to the unreasonable planning of the ballet team with the right to select the casting.
Reporter Juhee Hong [email protected]