His commitment and enthusiasm were genuinely impressive. Throughout three straight hours of training, he didn’t consume any water or pause for a moment. Observing him fully embrace such a demanding character was an enchanting sight.
When questioned about rehearsing with Kim Ki-min, a principal dancer from the Mariinsky Ballet, Julien Favre, the artistic director of Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL), stated, “I am very excited to see him bring the energy he demonstrated in the rehearsal room to the stage and present the elegance of his performance to the audience.” Favre participated in a written interview with this newspaper before BBL’s Seoul performance at the GS Art Center in Yeoksam-dong from April 23 to 26, which marks the company’s first show in Seoul in 25 years.
Established by Maurice Béjart (1927–2007), known as the “ballet revolutionary of the 20th century,” BBL has consistently pushed the limits of contemporary ballet through creative expressions and original choreography that transformed traditional ballet. This show highlights Kim Ki-min, a “star from the Mariinsky,” in the leading role of Béjart’s iconic work *Boléro (1961)*, performing “La Mélodie.” His two shows sold out in just five minutes after tickets went on sale.
◇”Kim Ki-min in the Rehearsal Room: Exceptional Commitment and Enthusiasm”
*Boléro* merges the lead dancer’s “melody” with a male ensemble’s “rhythm,” all set to Maurice Ravel’s intense music. The powerful energy of the lead dancer climbing a red circular table at the stage’s center is the piece’s essence. Favre stated, “The role of ‘La Mélodie’ on the table is physically and mentally challenging. It demands extraordinary endurance, constant accuracy, and the capacity to maintain energy throughout the entire performance as it unfolds.” “Ki-min fully committed himself to mastering this role. It was a wonderful experience to assist him along the way. We spent many hours in the studio perfecting his interpretation and every aspect.”
This year celebrates Kim Ki-min’s 15th year with the Mariinsky Ballet, a major achievement. The audience will have just two opportunities to witness his leading role in BBL’s *Boléro*. Through In Arts Production, the event organizer, Kim stated, “I am thankful and thrilled to be on the BBL stage. I will give my utmost to provide the best performance for the audience who have been waiting.”
◇“Intense *Boléro*: Addressing the Audience Directly”
He characterized *Boléro* as a piece that “transforms a basic idea into enchanting moments on stage, strongly connecting with the audience, and reflects Maurice Béjart’s heritage by uniting movement and music into a global expression.” “It captures all feelings within repetitive yet continuously changing motions, turning the stage into a lively stream. You will experience the strength of the rhythm and emotional depth that speak to everyone, going beyond age, gender, race, and cultural differences.”
Favre first came to Korea 15 years ago as a BBL performer during a show in Daejeon. He started dancing when he was seven, studied at the Béjart Ballet School in Lausanne, joined BBL, moved up from the corps de ballet to principal dancer, and later became the artistic director.
When questioned about his most significant role, he stated, “I have performed in *Boléro*, *The Rite of Spring*, and *Romeo and Juliet*, but my favorite is being a ‘Béjart dancer.’” “Béjart was my mentor, father figure, and inspiration. The present BBL dancers, including me, are his students and creations. Although he could be demanding and tough, he possessed deep compassion. All that I learned from him continues to shape my artistic journey.”
Favre said, “If Béjart were to witness the current BBL—where his pieces are alongside new works and performed with enthusiasm by younger generations—he would feel honored.”
◇Béjart’s *The Firebird*, *Hamlet*, and Other Performances to See
This tour, named *Béjart Ballet Lausanne with Kim Ki-min*, features *The Firebird*, a signature work of BBL in addition to *Boléro*. Inspired by Stravinsky’s music, it depicts a phoenix that self-destructs to be reborn through dance.
Two guest-choreographed pieces making their Asian debuts are also gaining attention. *Hamlet* (choreography by Valentina Turcu) reimagines Shakespeare with music from modern composer Max Richter, rock group Muse, and Cigarettes After Sex, adding modern vitality to the classic tragedy. *Bye Bye Baby Blackbird* (choreography by Jost Braunerlætz) is a poetic and somber work set to Johnny Cash’s American country songs. The program seeks to provide a varied and enriching experience by combining Béjart’s heritage with the perspectives of contemporary artists.
Favre stated, “I hope that Korean spectators will also enjoy BBL’s extensive Béjart collection, including *Ballet for Life*, *Symphony No. 9*, *The Rite of Spring*, and *Is This Death?*, which highlight the performers’ remarkable emotional depth.”
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