The Ballerina Who Fell in Love with a B-Boy

Written by Soohyun Alexander Lee
Photographed by Ryu Seunghoo

Nestled into a small theatrical space beside Lotte World, "The Ballerina Who Fell in Love with a B-Boy" makes its tone certain from the very start. The audience is seated near the stage, and between them and the set, the dancers have an enclosed—albeit intimate—space to themselves. The lights are dimmed, yet there is enough illumination that the audience is made aware of its surroundings. The dancers perform confidently, as if absorbed in an element so natural to them that, at times, it seems like they are among friends or relatives in their interaction with the audience.Before the performance begins, a breakdancer addresses the audience directly, encouraging audience members to applaud any time that they think the performers warrant it. The audience I saw the show with certainly took this imperative to heart.

Breakdancing—Not So Puerile After All

"The Ballerina Who Fell in Love with a B-Boy" is a visual delight, mixing a satisfying showcase of dance mobilized along a linear plot fueled by pantomime. This proves to be a most adequate alchemy, aesthetically in particular.The story traces the development of a ballerina who initially dismisses breakdancing as artless and puerile. Eventually, though, she chooses to pursue it in lieu of ballet—a decision catalyzed by her romantic interest in one of the breakdancers and a number of dream visions that involve what seem to be the phantasmal manifestations of her repressed desire to pursue breakdancing. As the story unfolds, it charts the mutually exclusive relationship between ballet and breakdancing, and the production ends on an upscale note, pronouncing a reconciliation between the two forms. In an interview with the protagonist, she mentioned that it was difficult to combine ballet, which emphasizes the use of the feet, and breakdancing, which emphasizes the hands; thus, this interaction was both a difficult and innovative aspect of the performance.

Impressive Transitions

The show makes use of lighting effects, sound effects, a vast assortment of music, and impressive, almost seamless transitions between sets. Abrupt cuts between soundtracks and quick set transitions provide a clear distinction between the two forms of dance, which affords them a more enunciated interaction. Ballet is presented in its most stereotypical form: fanciful, delicate, and graceful. Breakdancing is presented as its equal counterforce: random, interactive, and dynamic. The synthesis of these two forms of dance culminates with the protagonist’s discovery of breakdancing and her eventual decision to become involved in it. The efficacy of the set manipulation is most present in the main character's dream sequences, where she encounters haunting apparitions that represent her hidden desire to embrace breakdancing. These sets are highly stylized, integrating modern and experimental dance styles that combine hints of both ballet and breakdancing—which seems to be one of the production’s primary motives.

Chemistry on Stage

“The Ballerina Who Fell in Love with a B-Boy” is an impressive showcase for its clearly talented dancers. With an enthusiastic cast and an equally receptive audience, the overall experience is an enjoyable one.

More Information

Venue: Lotte World Art Hall (inside Lotte World)Admission: 5o,000 wonTime: open run; Tue—Thu pm, Fri 5pm & 8pm, Sat & Sun 3pm & 6pm (Mon: no performance)T. (02) 2266-3727 (reservations) www.showbboy.com

Getting There

Jamsil Station, Lines 2 & 8, Exits 3 & 4. Head into Lotte World and pass between the ice rink and the fountain. Lotte Art Hall is next to the movie theaters.

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