For Kang Sue-jin, principal dancer in Germany’s Stuttgart Ballet, “The Lady of the Camellias” means a lot ― Kang’s dramatic portrayal and technical proficiency in the ballet drama earned her the dance world’s prestigious Benois Prize in 1999.

Thirteen years later, the Korean ballerina now in her 40s will be performing Marguerite Gautier, a tragic courtesan in 19th century Paris, again in Seoul with the Stuttgart Ballet at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on June 16-17. And her portrayal of the woman who encounters a tragic fate will be more intense and may fit her even better than before, she says.

“I think I feel closer to the character of ‘The Lady of Camellias’ now than before, thanks to the years of experience and performances. Those experiences helped me to perform different aspects of the dramatic characters,” Kang told The Korea Herald in an e-mail interview.

The prima ballerina said she felt attached to Marguerite in “The Lady of the Camellias” from the first time she started to practice the character.

“There are works and characters that I feel attached to from the start ... like Marguerite in ‘The Lady of the Camellias’ and Tatiana in ‘Onegin,’” she said.

Kang is probably the best-known Korean ballerina working on the international dance scene, and has significantly contributed to raising the profile of Korea’s ballet internationally.

The artist studied with Marika Besobrasova at the Academie de Danse Classique in Monte Carlo after beginning ballet lessons in Korea in middle school.

She joined the Stuttgart Ballet in 1986 and was awarded the Prix Benois de la Danse for her portrayal of the title role in “The Lady of the Camellias.” Kang was the first Asian to be honored as “Kammertanzerin” (chamber dancer) by the German state government of Baden-Wurttemberg.

The 44-year-old dancer said the upcoming performance will be the last time time she dances the piece in its entirety, but not her last performance as a ballerina.

“This will be the last ‘The Lady of Camellias’ that I perform in its entirety, but not the last one to perform. I haven’t thought of retiring, but I think I would someday.”

Asked what she thinks about Korean ballet dancers gaining international recognition, Kang said she feels very proud of them. But there should be more supports both from the government and businesses.

“I’d love to deliver my knowledge and experience as a professional ballet dancer of 25 years to the upcoming Korean artists. But ballet, as a pure art genre, needs more support than just one’s knowledge,” she added.

“The Lady of Camellias” is based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel about tragic love between a courtesan and an aristocrat in Paris. Choreographed by John Neumeier, the signature work by the Stuttgart Ballet is well known for its original dramatic structure.

The ballet features beautiful preludes, waltzes and ballads by Frederic Chopin. Stuttgart Ballet’s male dancer Marijn Rademaker who partnered with Kang for her “Romeo and Juliet” performance in 2008, will again accompany the dancer.

“I hope that people can soothe and comfort their souls by enjoying ‘The Lady of Camellias.’ My recommendation is to follow the emotional development of the two main characters,” she said.

Tickets for “The Lady of Camellias” range from 50,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heralm.com)