Korean Dance Shows to Bring Tradition and Diversity
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
With spring just around the corner, Korean dance is back, and two traditional dance troupes are preparing their works this month.
The National Dance Company of Korea is staging their annual repertoire ``Korean Fantasy'' from March 13 to 20.
``Korean Fantasy'' showcases traditional dance forms. From the ``buchae'' dance, or fan dance, and the crane dance to the traditional circle dance ``ganggangsullae,'' visitors will get to experience centuries-old movements and music, along with the troupe's contemporary works as well.
```Korean Fantasy' expresses the grace and dynamics of our traditional dance. The performance presents a history full of humor, honesty, joy and sadness,'' the troupe said in a press release.
Each scene represents a story and a specific dance, making it easier for viewers who are not accustomed to traditional dance to understand.
Different stage setups allow viewers to witness a variety of emotions and experiences.
The Kingdom stage shows the busy morning in the royal palace. Servants rush to serve the king and queen, expressing their excitement and nerves through swift and sharp movements.
The Rank stage, where male dancers dressed in bold colors represent aristocrats, is the only one where only male dancers appear on stage. It will provide an interesting experience for those who are accustomed to the elegant movements of female dancers dressed in colorful ``hanbok.''
The Love Song stage tells the heartbreaking story of Chunhyang and Mongryong, while the famous ``Janggo Dance'' scene features graceful performers dressed in elaborate hanbok dancing while playing the janggo, an hourglass-shaped drum.
The last scene, Prayer, wraps up the showcase with dancers wishing for peace and happiness throughout the world. Along with traditional movements, the stage will be decorated as a ritual venue with bamboo trees; ``sotdae,'' a pole signifying good luck and harvest; and incense and flowers.
``Korean Fantasy'' has been staged in more than 70 countries, receiving critical acclaim for its beauty and grace.
``Korean Fantasy'' runs from March 13 to 20 at the National Theater of Korea. All tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.ntok.go.kr or call 2280-4114.
Meanwhile, the NOW Dance Company is staging ``Narae'' from March 12 to 14 at Theater Yong. Narae is a ritual from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) that took place at palaces to welcome the New Year and scare away bad luck that lingered from the past one. It was not only a spiritual ritual, but also a festival where people got together to celebrate and wish for a better year.
Choreographer Sohn In-young approached ``Narae'' from a historical and imaginative perspective. Because the dance was not recorded much in paintings and historical records, Sohn had to use her imagination, while keeping in mind the cultural and social aspects of the period.
``The Goyreo period was a time when a lot of trading with Arabian countries and China was taking place and this caused the culture to become more dynamic and exotic. I had to keep in mind these aspects when working on the choreography,'' Sohn said in a press release.
The music will also be different from the traditional tunes Koreans are used to. Instead of music from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), which is mostly used for traditional dance shows, musician Kim Tae-wan composed distinctive tunes taking into consideration the diverse cultures Goryeo experienced through commerce.
``We wanted to connect with the audience by offering a work that combines Korean movements, colors, music and costumes. From shamanistic movements to Buddhist rituals, you will get to witness the whole package of Korean dance,'' Sohn said.
``Narae'' will be staged at Theater Yong of the National Museum of Korea. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.theateryong.or.kr or call 1544-5955.