25 Years in the Making: Béjart Ballet Lausanne Returns to Seoul with Iconic Performances

Ballet virtuoso Kim Gi-min. Credit: InArts Production

A scene from ‘The Firebird.’ Credit: InArts Production

A moment from ‘Bye Bye Baby Blackbird.’ Credit: InArts Production

Legendary choreographer Maurice Béjart’s Béjart Ballet Lausanne is set to captivate Seoul audiences once again after a quarter-century hiatus.
InArts Production announced on the 10th that the renowned company will grace the stage of GS Art Center from April 23 to 26. The upcoming performances will showcase Béjart’s iconic repertoire alongside a highly anticipated collaboration with international dance sensation Kim Gi-min.

Béjart Ballet Lausanne, a trailblazer in the global dance scene with its revolutionary ballet language, has maintained its artistic prowess even after Béjart’s passing in 2007. This marks their triumphant return to Korea after 15 years and their first Seoul appearance in 25 years since 2001.
The program features Béjart’s masterpieces ‘Boléro’ and ‘The Firebird,’ alongside Asian premieres of ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby Blackbird.’ Audiences can expect a diverse showcase, from contemporary reimaginings of classics to poetic, emotive performances that embody the company’s signature style.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Kim Gi-min, the first Asian principal dancer of Russia’s prestigious Mariinsky Ballet. Kim will take center stage in Béjart’s tour de force ‘Boléro’ for two exclusive performances. This engagement marks Kim’s 2026 Korean debut and the first time a Korean dancer will perform ‘Boléro’ with Béjart Ballet Lausanne.
“I’m honored and thrilled to share the stage with Béjart Ballet Lausanne,” Kim expressed. “I promise to deliver an unforgettable performance for our audience.” Tickets go on sale February 11 at 2 PM.
‘Boléro,’ one of Béjart’s most celebrated works, amplifies Ravel’s hypnotic score through mesmerizing, repetitive choreography.
‘The Firebird,’ set to Stravinsky’s iconic composition, uses abstract movement to portray themes of self-immolation, rebirth, and revolution.
The Asian premieres include ‘Hamlet,’ a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s tragedy, and ‘Bye Bye Baby Blackbird,’ a poetic exploration of existence set to Johnny Cash’s music. These pieces are choreographed by Valentina Turk and Joost Vrouenraets, respectively.

jashin@fnnews.com Jin-ah Shin, Entertainment Correspondent