Tradition, Youth, Modernity to Dazzle Dance Fans
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Three different types of dance events in Seoul will beckon fans this spring. MCT Dance will bring traditional dance through its ``Spring Day-Delving into Our Dance,'' while the Modern Dance Promotion of Korea is presenting the 2009 Seoul International Youth Dance Festival. Representing modernity, the 28th International Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE) will also meet fans next month.
``Spring Day-Delving into Our Dance'' is part of the troupe's spring repertoire ``Traditional Dance Star Invitation,'' and it has offered fans traditional dance elements for the past six years. This year, a total of eight female traditional dancers will present some of the most famous dances here, including the Taepyeongmu dance, sword dance and drum dance. The two-day event will take place at Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, near Namsan, in Seoul, April 28-29. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. Families of three can get a special discount. For more information, visit www.mctdance.co.kr or call (02) 2263-4680.
For those who want to enjoy dance with a more youthful energy, visit the 2009 Seoul International Youth Dance Festival May 2-4. The first of its kind and held under the theme ``Peace and Dance,'' the festival aims to help bring peace to the world, help people learn more about dance and also gain friendship with other young dancers from around the world. Nine local arts schools, such as Yewon School, Sunhwa Arts School and Kaywon High School of Arts, will participate, along with four troupes from Japan, China, Finland and Singapore visiting Korea for the event.
On May 2 and 3, the teams will get together at the National Theater of Korea and perform various dance forms such as traditional, modern, ballet and even breakdancing.
Festival participants will also pay a special visit to the Gangnam Severance Hospital to perform for young patients May 4. The Modern Dance Promotion of Korea said that the event would hopefully cheer up patients and further develop what is known as ``dance therapy.'' Admission is by invitation only. For more information, call (02) 325-5706.
The 28th International Modern Dance Festival promises a feast for modern fans. A total of 10 Korean teams and five from abroad, including those from France, Canada and Finland, will participate in the annual event, with colorful programs that will dazzle fans.
Along with distinctive main performances carried out by the troupes, there will also be collaborations from Korea and China and an International Residence Showcase by dancers from Korea, Japan, the United States, Cameroon, France and Australia under the theme ``Making the Map of Seoul.'' Participants will offer not only dance, but also music, stage settings and visual art.
The MODAFE will be held at Arko Arts Theater in Jongno, Seoul, May 26-June 6. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352.