Mats Ek facts for kids

Mats Ek in 2024

Mats Ek is a famous Swedish artist. He creates and directs dances, especially ballets. He was also a dancer himself. From 1985 to 1993, he led the Cullberg Ballet.

Mats Ek's Early Life and Career

Mats Ek was born in Malmö, Sweden, on April 18, 1945. His parents were both artists. His father, Anders Ek, was an actor. His mother, Birgit Cullberg, was a well-known choreographer.

When he was 17, Mats took a summer dance class. He also studied theatre at college. For several years, from 1966 to 1973, he worked as a director for different theaters in Stockholm.

Becoming a Dancer and Choreographer

In 1972, Mats Ek joined the Cullberg Ballet as a dancer. Three years later, in 1975, he danced with another ballet company in Germany. In 1976, he created his first dance piece for the Cullberg Ballet. It was called The Officer's Servant.

In 1978, Mats Ek became the artistic director of the Cullberg Ballet, sharing the role with his mother. By 1985, he was fully in charge of the company. He held this important position until 1993. He also worked as a dancer and choreographer for the Nederlands Dans Theater for a year.

Mats Ek's Unique Dance Style

Mats Ek's dance style is very special. He mixes both classical ballet and modern dance techniques. His dances often explore human feelings and social issues. He also adds a touch of humor to his works. For Mats Ek, movement is a way for people to express themselves. He focuses more on the meaning of the dance than just how pretty it looks.

Famous Ballets and Works

Mats Ek has created many ballets. Some of his early works include Saint George and the Dragon and Soweto. He is especially known for his new versions of classic ballets. These include:

• Giselle (1982)
• Swan Lake (1987)
• Carmen (1992)

After leaving the Cullberg Ballet, Mats Ek worked with other big dance companies around the world. He created Sleeping Beauty for the Hamburg Ballet in 1996. He also made Apartment for the Paris Opera in 2000. Many of his ballets have been shown on television, and two of them even won Emmy awards.

Mats Ek also directed plays for the theatre. His notable theatre works include Don Giovanni (1999) and Andromaque (2001). In 2002, he created a new work called FLUKE for the Cullberg Ballet.

In 2006, Mats Ek won a special award called the Prix Benois de la Danse.

Europe Theatre Prize

In 2016, Mats Ek received the XV Europe Theatre Prize. This award was given to him in Craiova because of his important contributions to modern dance. The prize recognized how he helped change and improve contemporary dance.

Mats Ek's Creations

See also

In Spanish: Mats Ek para niños