By Lee Hyo-won
The Korea International Modern Dance Competition (KIMDC) opens Wednesday in Seoul for a weeklong run until June 28.
A rare showcase for the genre not only in Korea but also in the rest of the world, the KIMDC opens its second edition featuring dancers from 11 different countries.
While there are many competitions for ballet or a mix of the traditional dance with a section for modern/contemporary dance, this particular competition is the only sizeable event for modern dance.
Korean male dancers become exempt from the mandatory two-year military service if they win the first or second prize in an international dance event.
For modern dancers, the Military Manpower Administration recognizes feats in overseas competitions such as the Orhid in Greece. This year alone a total of 25 Korean males will vie for prizes there in July, according to Kim Bock-hee, president of the Dance Association of Korea, who is overseeing the KIMDC.
Organizers say they are trying to gain recognition from the government body since it is an international competition.
“We have been trying to persuade government officials, but it’s difficult since military exemption is a very sensitive issue here,” said Kim.
“Even talented male dancers are forced to end their career upon entering the military since they cannot practice and use their muscles differently during training.
“Many local dancers are trying to take part in overseas competitions, which is very costly. We sincerely hope the government will consider the request of the local dance community.”
In the meantime, the upcoming event invites 17 Korean dancers aged 17 to 28 that took part in major local contests such as the Dong-A Dance Competition and Seoul International Dance Competition. They will vie against 17 young artists of the same age group from 10 countries — Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Italy, Japan, Mongolia, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Contestants will vie for prizes amounting to $32,000, with each top prizewinner taking home $2,000 to $7,000. One grand prize ($7,000) will be awarded while the gold, silver and bronze medals will each be given to one female and one male dancer.
There are also sideline mentions bestowed by the competition’s jury and the president of the Dance Association of Korea, as well as one for best choreography. In last year’s inaugural event, Czech female dancer Eva Kolarova won the grand prize.
Though the overall size of the competition pool remains largely unchanged compared to the first edition, this year sees two more participants from abroad.
The jury panel includes esteemed specialists from near and far: Peter London, artistic director of the U.S. Global Dance Theater; Xiao Suhua, vice chairman of the Ballet Art Committee of Chinese Dancers Association; Setsuko Yamada, professor of Kyoto University; Gisela Rocha, artistic director of her namesake Brazilian dance company; and Oleksi Bessmertni, artistic director Ukraine’s Tanzolymp dance company.
Some of the judges will also host special workshops.
Organizers say the event is more than a competition but a festival for dance, and will open with a special ceremony on Thursday. The Korea National Ballet, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company and other troupes will stage works at Sanymyung Art Center in Jongno.
Admission to the award ceremoniy and gala performances will be open to the general public. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Call (02) 744-8066 or visit www.kimdc.org (Korean, English and Spanish) for more information.