ISTANBUL – Daily News with wires
Bodrum residents will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s most famous ballet dancers during the ninth Bodrum International Ballet Festival when it kicks off Monday, according to a leader state ballet official.
“Thousands of people have a chance to see ballet dancers from all around the world. People would pay 200-500 euros to view these works in other parts of the world, but it is possible to see them here for a price of six to 35 euros,” said State Opera and Ballet Deputy Manager Nilgün Çelebi.
The festival will start Monday in the historic Bodrum Castle, the icon of the famous of southwestern tourist town. Thanks to the festival, the 5,000-year-old town of Bodrum has become an artistic region as well as a tourism destination, she said.
The festival will open with “Istanbul Mosaic,” which will be performed by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet artists. The St. Petersburg State Opera and Ballet under Boris Eifman will later be on stage with “I, Don Quixote” on Aug. 18.
The Mecklenburg Schwerin State Opera and Ballet from Germany will perform “Carmen” on Aug. 21 and 22, while the Washington Ballet will showcase “Rock’n Roll” on Aug. 25 and 26.
“The Message of Rumi,” choreographed by State Opera and Ballet General Directorate Head Dancer Mehmet Balkan, will be performed by the Samsun State Opera and Ballet on Aug. 29.
The festival will end with Los Vivancos, which will take the stage with the work “7 Brothers” on Sept. 1, 2 and 3. The dancers group, which is made up of seven brothers, previously took the stage at the same festival to great acclaim.
(Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com )