Mats Ek facts for kids

Mats Ek, born on April 18, 1945, is a famous Swedish artist. He is known for being a choreographer (someone who creates dances), a dancer, and a stage director. From 1985 to 1993, he was the leader of the well-known Cullberg Ballet dance company.

Mats Ek's Early Life and Career

Mats Ek was born in Malmö, Sweden, in 1945. His parents were both involved in the arts. His father, Anders Ek, was an actor at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and his mother, Birgit Cullberg, was a famous choreographer.

When he was 17, Mats took a summer course in modern dance. He also studied theatre at Marieborg Folks College in Sweden. For several years, from 1966 to 1973, he worked as a director for the Marionett Theater and the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm.

Joining the Cullberg Ballet

In 1972, Mats Ek joined the Cullberg Ballet as a dancer. Three years later, in 1975, he danced with the corps de ballet (the main group of dancers) for the Ballett der Deutschen Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf.

In 1976, Mats Ek created his very first dance piece for the Cullberg Ballet. It was called The Officer's Servant. By 1978, he became the artistic director of the Cullberg Ballet, sharing the role with his mother, Birgit Cullberg. He took full charge in 1985 and led the company until 1993. For a short time, from 1980 to 1981, he also worked as a dancer and choreographer with the Nederlands Dans Theater.

Mats Ek's Unique Style

Mats Ek's dance style often shows influences from other famous choreographers, like Kurt Jooss and his own mother, Birgit Cullberg. He uses both classical ballet moves and modern dance techniques in his work.

His choreographies often explore social issues or personal feelings, but he also adds a touch of humor. For Mats Ek, movement is a way for dancers to express themselves. He focuses more on the meaning and feeling of the dance than just making it look pretty.

Famous Ballets and Theatre Works

Mats Ek has created many ballets, with more than twenty for the Cullberg Ballet alone. Some of his early works include Saint George and the Dragon, Soweto, and The House of Bernarda.

He is especially famous for his new versions of classic ballets. These include a fresh take on 'Giselle' (in 1982), 'Swan Lake' (in 1987), and 'Carmen' (in 1992).

After leaving the Cullberg Ballet, Mats Ek became a guest choreographer for major dance companies around the world. He created Sleeping Beauty for the Hamburg Ballet (in 1996), A Sort Of for the Nederlands Dans Theater (in 1997), and Apartment for the Paris Opera (in 2000). Many of his ballets have even been shown on television, and two of them won Emmy awards!

Mats Ek also directed plays. His notable theatre works include Don Giovanni (in 1999) and Andromaque (in 2001) at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. In 2002, he created a new work called FLUKE for the Cullberg Ballet, working with the Pork Quartet.

In 2006, he received the prestigious Prix Benois de la Danse award for his contributions to dance.

Europe Theatre Prize

In 2016, Mats Ek was honored with the XV Europe Theatre Prize in Craiova. He received this award for his important role in changing and improving contemporary dance.

Works

See also

In Spanish: Mats Ek para niños