Kim Ki-min is a ballerino of the Mariinsky Ballet Company in St. Petersburg, Russia. As the first Asian who has become a principal dancer of the Mariinsky Ballet Company, he is heatedly preparing for performances and portraying lots of characters. Every May through July, “White Night Festival” is an international music festival which is held at the Mariinsky Theater. In this year’s festival, Kim Ki-min is enhancing Korea’s status by perfectly playing the role of Solor in ‘La Bayadere’. A CBT reporter met him to listen to his ballet story. –Ed.



Q : ‘La Bayadere’, which you performed in this time, is a dramatically developed story containing love and betrayal that transcends social position. How do you feel after your performance?
A : Above all, I am very glad to successfully finish my favorite role. There are many reasons why I like it. First, I really like the tale of this play. I love the tale where, though there is a social barrier, the characters are determined to love each other. I think ‘La Bayadere’ fits me. I also have a deep connection with it. It was my tryout piece when I originally applied at the Mariinsky Ballet Company, and it also was my debut role at a previous ballet company. The third reason is that I always got bad reviews whenever I performed this play. In my previous performances, it was so hard to control myemotions, but I gradually learned to relax because I have overcome every ordeal. Mixed emotions can be the best emotions to utilize in performances. To sum up, ‘La Bayadere’ is such an important work to me. That is why the last performance was satisfying, but on the other hand, I felt something was lacking, so I want to keep performing this work now and forever.

Q : Currently, you are working hard as a principal dancer of the Mariinsky Ballet Company. I heard that being a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Ballet Company, which favors its native dancers is quite difficult. What were your secrets to gain that position?
A : First of all, obviously, I really did my best. Also, I had to learn to dance like a native, as if I were a Mariinsky ballerino. In other words, I had to learn about this country’s culture and methods. I thought that I could perform better if I were acting like a Russian and making the Russian culture mine, even though I am Korean. Therefore, I made lots of efforts such as studying to understand Russian culture or experiencing the culture. In addition to this, I was pretty lucky. I received much help from thepeople around me including my teachers. Lastly, I believed in myself that I have a special gift thatgives people good memories on the stage. I kept trying to have confidence and self-conviction.

Q : I heard that it is important to control emotions in ballet. How do you make sure that you do this? Also, how do you prepare to perform for various roles as you have a busy performance schedule?
A : I think expressiveness is really important in ballet. I think hard about how to convey the feelings effectively. To represent the role well, I like to read various books, watch movies, and listen to music. The most important thing is that I have to apply the piece to my own emotions and expressions. It means the role has to be mine. Preparing for performances is the same thing. First, I research a lot of information about the piece. If I start the preparation without information, I can’t be absorbed into my role because of a lack of understanding. Secondly, I listen to music a lot because I think that there is an inextricable link between ballet and music. Lastly, I think so much about my partner. This is for the immersion into my role. Actually, I often meet my female partners and have a chat for sharing opinions, and I try to think of her even when I am not with her.

Q : The Mariinsky Ballet Company is an internationally famous company. But in Korea, Ballet isn’t settled as a pop culture. Recently, cultural art promotion is producing added value. As a result, art culture is being emphasized. What can we learn from the Mariinsky Ballet Company to develop Korean ballet?
A : As I said earlier, we have to learn about the importance of education. We need a systematic and scientific education. If talents are consistently discovered and developed through a good education, which is not happening in Korea now, many ballerinas and ballerinos will appear. If many great dancers are in the field, interest and concentration will shift to ballet and the ballet market will grow. In Russia, fans of the dancers maintain a healthy competition and have discussions with a focus on the motions and compositions of ballet. To conclude, many talents result from good education and it makes a virtuous cycle.

Q : Which role do you want to take in the future? And I am wondering about your work plan.
A : I want to star in Romeo and Juliet because I performed most other pieces at least once, so I want to do a play which I haven’t ever performed. Also Romeo and Juliet is quite famous and is an ardent love story. I really want to try it. My future work plan is keeping in top shape and being a better dancer like the way I have always done. It means no matter which piece and role I do take, I can show which person I am. As my position is important, I have a goal to enhance the status of the Mariinsky Ballet Company and Korean ballet. That’s why I am always doing my best and feeling burdened, so I hope you continue your love and support. Thank you.

By Yoo Jin-kyu
jk37@cbnu.ac.kr