When ballet meets figure skating

Russia’s ice theater troupe presents Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’


While Olympic champion Kim Yu-na has made figure skating more of a spectator sport than ever before in Korea, many still may not be familiar with the genre of ice theater.

Hence Russia’s Bobrin Ice Theatre’s performance of Tchaikovsky classic “Swan Lake” would offer a unique experience for both local ballet fans as well as figure skating buffs. The troupe has been in Seoul since last week, to present the Tchaikovsky piece not in toe shoes, but in skates on ice.

A successful blend of ballet movements with spirals, jumps and the footwork of figure skating, the show on Monday at Seoul’s Mokdong Ice Rink proved greatly entertaining and fun. 

Bobrin Ice Theatre, directed by the 1981 world bronze medalist Igor Bobrin, has been touring the world since 1986. Its members consist of world and European champions and circus artists. Its guest skaters include the 2002 Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin, the 2006 Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko, and 2002 and 2005 world champion Irina Slutskaya. The troupe has more than 10 pieces in its repertoire, from “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker” to “Romeo and Juliet.”

“Swan Lake” on ice was much shorter than its ballet version, although the music and the signature costumes were the same. Instead of a corps de ballet of swans, the troupe showcased synchronized skating, where about 15 skaters did a group form of ice dance. Its main character Odette, the princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse, showcased beautiful spirals and spins instead of fouettes.

It was also refreshing to see the circus elements in the show. The evil sorcerer’s fireworks intensified the theatrical experience. Four skaters, playing swans, presented wire works as if they were flying. With the spectacular lighting on the ice and the famous Tchaikovsky music, the show’s climax was almost magical. There were a lot of young kids in the audience who were clearly entertained throughout the show.

Following “Swan Lake,” the troupe presented a gala performance. The 1993 European champion Dmitri Dmitrenko danced to local pop singer Baek Ji-young’s “Dash.” He chose a slower, rock version of the song, sung by Yoon Do-hyun. He also danced to “Dance My Esmeralda,” the soundtrack of the French-Canadian musical Notre Dame de Paris.

Local junior skater Park So-youn, who is the 2012 Junior Grand Prix silver medalist, also performed two gala programs for the night. The troupe’s director Igor Bobrin, who has been skating since 1971, perform during the finale of the show.

The troupe made their first visit to Korea in 1993, and has been promoted as “Bolshoi on Ice Company” in Korea. The word “Bolshoi” means the best of all in Russia, and it was the French press that described the troupe as “Bolshoi on Ice” after their first Paris tour in 1989.

It would be a good idea to bring a blanket or two, as it gets cold in the venue as the show progresses.

“Bolshoi on Ice” runs until Oct. 7 at Mokdong Ice Rink in Mok-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. For information, call 1666-5795.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)