[Opinion] Beauty of Transformation

`Swan Lake,` the world`s greatest ballet work, is known to always feature female dancers of swans. And a dance musical version of the ballet masterpiece currently on stage in Korea is drawing attention for male dancers of swans. British choreographer Mathew Borne and the theater called ATM have introduced male swan dancers. The male swans catch the audience` eye with tense movements and some comical gestures sporting their muscular bodies. `Pas de deux` for two and group dances not only are dynamic and passionate, but also combine sophisticated ballet technique with modern art. It is almost a shock to me, who once dreamt of being a ballet dancer in white tutu.

In the musical, the swan is not a delicate beauty that provokes the prince`s desire to protect, but a charismatic figure. It is a shelter for the prince suffering from the reality. It protects the prince from a group of villain swans. The swan, transformed into a new being through the power of love, chooses to sacrifice itself for the love. And the queen, who was a cold mother for her weak-hearted son, realizes she has been wrong after his son killed himself to be with the swan. Dying in the arms of the swan peacefully, the prince plays a role of justifying the swan`s transformation.

The swan is not guilty for its transformation. The work translates the great music piece of Chaikovskii in a new sensational and imaginative way. Then, what if choreographer Mathew Borne changes his mind and chooses to create a delicate swan instead of the charismatic one? The work will hardly make a difference with other Swan Lakes and his reputation as leading modern artist would be ruined. He was able to get inspiration for the work after listening to Chaikovskii for a year. His male swan stands for power, beauty and freedom. He must continue creating Mathew Borne-like swans.

President Roh Moo-hyun is seeking to transform himself in the field of foreign policies. The way he acted and spoke during his first visit to the U.S., which was aimed at building a closer alliance with Washington to establish firm foundation for security of the peninsula, drew keen attention. He was seen as having chosen national interests even at the expense of supporters. If he intends to be successful with the strategic turnaround, he must aware of making another turn to go back where he used to be. If the way he acts and speaks is inconsistent at home and abroad, he will end up losing confidence both in and outside the country. President Roh must fully understand this beauty of transformation as he leaves for Japan for a summit.

Ahn In-hae, Guest Writer, Professor at Korea University, yhahn@korea.ac.kr