VORTEX

VORTEX (Haeori) was commissioned by the National Dance Company of Korea in 2014. Tero Saarinen was the first western contemporary choreographer to work with the renowned troupe. In the creation, Saarinen’s signature choreographic style is interpreted by 19 exquisite dancers, and intertwined with Korean dance traditions the NDCK is dedicated to upholding. Live music is composed and directed by Young-gyu Jang, known for his innovative interpretations of Korean musical heritage.

Duration

80 minutes

Premiere

16 April 2014, National Theater of Korea, Seoul, South Korea

About the creation

In the creation, the primal vortex of the interface between past and present is interpreted by 25 performers. The live music, composed for VORTEX by Young-gyu Jang, is performed on stage by an ensemble known for its innovative interpretations of the Korean musical heritage. The lighting and set design is by Mikki Kunttu and costumes are by Erika Turunen.

Having achieved huge success with both audiences and critics alike, VORTEX has established itself in the repetitive repertoire one of Asia’s leading dance companies, NDCK. In addition to performing the creation in Seoul the group has also toured with the creation in other parts of Asia and Europe.

“When we have a possibility to weave dance together with live music – and musicians, we are able to celebrate primal “vortices” of inspiration, intuition, transparency and strength of spirit – everything powerful, creative and constructive there is in all of us.”

– Tero Saarinen

Reviews

”The performance was almost magical – undoubtedly one of Saarinen's finest choreographies. [...] Vortex is a show that is hard to forget – it was so uniquely perfect”

Demokraatti (Finland)
2022

”The audience is sold. It has hardly ever seen anything like this.”

Rondo (Finland)
2022

”What a show! – A meeting of cultures at its finest – created a bridge from an ancient tradition to the present day in a touching and energizing way.”

Rondo (Finland)
2022

”Tero Saarinen's spectacular work for the Korean national dance group exudes Koreanness”

Helsingin Sanomat (Finland)
2022

”[VORTEX] creates an irresistibly beautiful world, a different kind of fairy tale landscape than we are used to seeing.”

Dansportalen (Sweden)
2022

”Dance-wise, the whole group is like a dream. They breathe a dance that surges like a powerful current. Their technical skills are so natural and self-evident, that one doesn’t even pay attention to it.”

Demokraatti (Finland)
2022

”The final scene is a firework of music and dance – the feeling of freedom and joy grows irresistible.”

Rondo (Finland)
2022

”The music is enchanting, exotic, but not strange. Fresh and melodic, but also whimsical.”

Demokraatti
2022