SEOUL, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — Dancers emerge from behind the stage, moving in sync with the music. As their dynamic ensemble performance unfolds, they gradually make their way to the front of the stage. Suddenly, they pause, gazing into the audience. Then, each dancer finds a partner — not among themselves, but from the spectators.
This unexpected interaction between performers and audience members was showcased during a rehearsal of “Decadance” by the Seoul City Ballet at Nodeul Island’s practice studio on March 5.
“Decadance” is a reimagining of signature works by Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, who earned international acclaim for elevating the Batsheva Dance Company to world-class status during his tenure as artistic director from 1990 to 2018.
The production’s title, a portmanteau of “deca” (meaning ten) and “dance,” was originally created to commemorate Naharin’s tenth anniversary with Batsheva. The Seoul City Ballet’s version weaves together seven pieces from Naharin’s repertoire spanning 1993 to 2023.
The audience participation element stands out as a distinctive feature of the performance. Spectators, guided onto the stage by the dancers, become part of the choreography, creating what promises to be a unique theatrical experience.
The intense physicality of the 22 dancers commands attention throughout. Set to folk-inspired rhythmic beats, male and female performers execute movements reminiscent of courtship rituals. The choreography ranges from serene solo performances to vibrant ensemble pieces that fill the stage with diverse movements.
While not revealed during the rehearsal, the main performance will include an ensemble dance utilizing chairs — a symbolic element characteristic of Naharin’s work.
“Decadance” serves as this year’s season opener for the Seoul City Ballet, which bills itself as a contemporary ballet company. The production will run from March 14 to 23 at the Sejong Center’s M Theater.
“What you’ve seen today is just a fraction of the performance,” said Ian Robinson Steiger, who is overseeing the production and attended the rehearsal. “There’s much more to experience, and I encourage everyone to come see it.”
Image credit: Sejong Center / photonews@koreabizwire.com
