Prominent Belgian contemporary dance choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker will be presenting two of her celebrated modern dance works ― “Rosas Danst Rosas” and “Drumming” ― at the LG Arts Center in Seoul this week.

“Rosas Danst Rosas” made its world premiere in Brussels in 1983; and now, more than three decades later, Keersmaeker’s Bessie Award-winning masterpiece is still being performed around the world. The contemporary choreographic work has been critically acclaimed for its exploration of dichotomous and contrasting perspectives through movement and light.

In 2011, the visuals of Keersmaeker’s “Rosas Danst Rosas” hit headlines after it was revealed that intentional pop sensation Beyonce was accused of playing plagiarizing the choreography in her music video, “Countdown.” In the heat of the controversy, Beyonce conceded to having received inspiration for her dance moves from Keersmaeker. 

Accompanied by the percussive beats of by American composer Steve Reich, Keersmaeker’s 1998 modern dance production of “Drumming” will also hit the Korean stage this week. The musical score for “Drumming” was first composed by Reich in 1970, to which Keersmaeker then later unveiled her choreographic interpretation and homage to powerful percussion. The production has been hailed by some critics as one of her most fascinating and thrilling stage pieces.

“Rosas Danst Rosas” will be staged at the LG Arts Center in Yeoksam-dong for one night only on May 7, while “Drumming” will be held for two nights on May 9 and 10. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.lgart.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)