Netherlands Dance Theater 1 (NDT), one of the world’s top modern dance companies, will meet with the Korean audience in 16 years at the Seoul Arts Center in Seoul. Having attracted much attention in the country’s dance scene, the performance will celebrate the 30th birthday of the Seoul Arts Center.
Since its establishment in 1959, NDT has led the world of contemporary dance with rebellious but pioneering works. Jiri Kylian, who served as the company’s artistic director for 25 years from 1975, advanced NDT to the world’s top ranks by creating choreography based on ballet techniques, free movements of modern dance, and music.
For the upcoming performance, famous pieces included in the company’s rich repertoire such as “Safe as Houses” (2001) and “Stop-Motion” (2014) will be put on the stage. They were choreographed by Paul Lightfoot, artistic director, and Sol Leon, artistic advisor, who have been leading NDT since Kylian stepped down in 2011.
A new piece will be also showcased. “Walk the Demon” (2018), which Marco Goecke, resident choreographer of Stuttgart Ballet and guest choreographer of NDT, unveiled for the first time in the Netherlands last month, expresses the concept of dance as “voice” behind movements as well as gratitude, encounter, and farewell. This will be the first time that the piece will be performed in Asia. NDT’s performances will be held at the Seoul Arts Center from Friday to Sunday.
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