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| World Dance Alliance Korea Director Kim Geung-soo, from left, Korean National Ballet Artistic Director Kang Sue-jin, International Theater Institute Honorary President Kim Jeong-ok and International Theater Institute International Dance Committee Vice President Jeon Hong-jo pose at this year's International Dance Day celebration held at Seoul Cyber University, April 29. Courtesy of Seoul Cyber University |
By Lee Hae-rin
Kang Sue-jin, artistic director of Korean National Ballet, delivered a message of hope for pandemic-weary people in a speech celebrating 2022 International Dance Day (IDD) during an event held at Seoul Cyber University on April 29.
"Dance is made of ephemeral moments, which destines dancers to be on the move forever. Yet, COVID-19 has restricted and even blocked the art of dance in its original form," she said.
"As dancers, we believe that the flapping of our wings gives hope to the hearts of those who love the art of dance and gives them the courage to overcome this pandemic," Kang said, highlighting the spirit of ballet dancers throughout history and how it has contributed to overcoming global hardships.
Kang said that all people, regardless of their age and occupation, can become a dancer and find consolation from dance. She also said she is thankful and honored by the nomination and is ready to help those in need.
She is the first Korean to be nominated as the IDD speaker by the International Theater Institute, which is affiliated with UNESCO.
IDD was established in 1982 on the occasion of the birthday of French ballet master Jean-Georges Noverre to celebrate the diversity and talents of dancers around the world.
Recommended by several international dancers, Kang was voted in with an election held by the International Dance Council of UNESCO. The event's previous speakers include globally distinguished dancers and choreographers such as Jiri Kylian of the Czech Republic, Alicia Alonso of Cuba and Yury Grigorovich of Russia.
This year's event was organized jointly by ITI Korea and World Dance Alliance (WDA) Korea and took place at the Hanok Garden of Seoul Cyber University with the school's sponsorship.
Gwangju City Ballet's first director Park Geum-ja and Kim Hye-sik, the first president of the School of Dance at Korea National University of Arts, received special 40th-anniversary commemorative awards for their contributions to Korean ballet.
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