Synopsis

The exquisite beauty of traditional Korean dance comes from the charming curves and the movements of the inner breath. The fascination of Western dance is its extroverted, straightforward, and expressive features. These characteristics are well illustrated also in music. In traditional Korean music, the beat resonates fully with a rhythmic note. The beat in Western music is more short-lived, clearer, and melodic. Interpreting traditional Korean music using the analytical method of Western music, the choreographer carefully assembles movements that represent traditional Korean dance. Immixture, composed of six scenes, creates "visually perceptible music" by placing delicate and continuous traditional dance movements with distinctively different rhythms and dynamics. Performed as a work in progress at SIDance 2014, Immixture underwent continuous polishing and refining, and the final version successfully premiered at Theatre National de Chaillot in Paris in June 2016.

Review

Ahn’s choreography captures the delicate process intactly, just like the magic of blending where the seawater meets fresh water. By delivering his philosophy, his experiment reaffirms that traditional heritage and modern times can intermingle in the ocean of dance. Also the neat and agile movement of the dancers to be shown through dances from Chunaengmu in the beginning, the sword dance in the middle, and Changsa at the end, were all imprinted on the memory of audience as the taste of Korean contemporary dance.

The audience was truly moved, and the thunderous applause left a long resonance. Though it remains to be seen how this show would be received by Korean audience, it is safe to say that they will definitely identify with the achievement of the format and aesthetics of the performance.

Photos and video

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Creator / artist

Sungsoo Ahn Pick-up Group was originally created in New York by AHN, Sung-soo, who studied journalism and film before becoming a choreographer. The Group was re-established in Seoul in 1998. Each of Ahn's works has received much attention and won many awards at home and abroad, which only makes it harder to believe that Ahn began his career as a choreographer in his later years. Most notably, Bolero was nominated as a finalist for Best Performance at Benois de la Danse in 2006.

The choreographer has picked out outstanding dancers from various dance genres, such as Korean traditional dance, hip hop, and K-Pop, and introduced them to training based on neutralizing the body; he continues to create new works with them. His works today focus on new forms of artistic beauty discovered by organically combining the techniques and perspectives of East and West.

Promotion Information

TOUR SIZE
Performers : 5
Staff : 3

DURATION
55min. ( No intermission)

STAGE SIZE
Width : 10-12m, Depth : 10-12m, Height : m

Contact

Manager : GWAK, Ah-ram

Korea Arts Management Service Manager 02-708-2275
pams@gokams.or.kr