By Lee Hyo-won
Staff reporter
The inaugural edition of the Korea International Modern Dance Competition (KIMDC) will open from Aug. 7 to 12 in Seoul.
Most international dance events feature two parts _ ballet and contemporary dance; this is the first competition in the country that is entirely devoted to the latter genre. Organized by the Dance Association of Korea and sponsored by the Culture Ministry and the Seoul Section of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), the event will be held at Sangmyung Art Center in Jongno.
``Modern dance covers an extremely diverse and wide range of styles so it might be difficult to weigh talents against one another. But we have arranged this event because the domestic arts scene now boasts international standards. It is also a great chance to showcase global trends,’’ said Kim Bock-hee, president of the Dance Association of Korea, who will serve as the director of the competition.
The event is for solo acts by dancers aged between 17 and 28. A total of 15 artists from 11 countries, including finalists from major local competitions, such as the Dong-A Dance Competition and the Seoul International Dance Competition. Other competitors will represent Italy, France, the United States, Japan, China, Russia and Venezuela, among other countries.
The competition comprises of preliminary, semifinal and final rounds, and contestants will vie for trophies and cash prizes. The grand prize ($7,000) will be awarded to one dancer, while gold ($5,000), silver ($3,000) and bronze ($2,000) medals will each be rewarded to one male and one female dancer. Sideline awards include the President of the Dance Association of Korea Award, Finalist Award, Best Choreography Award and President of Jury Award. The cash rewards exceed that of other Korean dance competitions.
The jury will be presided over by big names in the industry, including Mark Baldwin of the British Rambert Dance Company and Bruce Marks, the jury chairperson of the USA International Ballet Competition.
The opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The competition showcase will take place each evening at 7 p.m. from Aug. 8 to 12, and will be open to the general audience. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. Call (02) 744-8066.