Four Masters of Korean Dance Return to Stage in 'Breath of the Masters'
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
The National Dance Company of Korea will present “Breath of the Masters” at the National Theater’s Haeoreum Theater in December, showcasing signature works by four veteran choreographers who each once led the company: Cho Heung-dong (84), Bae Jeong-hye (81), Kim Hyun-ja (78), and Guk Su-ho (77). Over two weekends (Dec 17–18 and 20–21) the company will perform eight pieces (two from each choreographer). Bae’s Soul, “Sunflower” (a landmark contemporary Korean dance) will be presented in a traditional salpuri (a Korean folk dance for purification) style; Guk’s “Sky of Tibet”—originally staged in 1998—explores birth, death and rebirth through Eastern philosophical movement. Kim’s “Gazing at the Plum” minimizes props to emphasize breath and movement, accompanied by gayageum sanjo (a traditional Korean zither solo style). Cho debuts a new work, “Time of the Wind,” portraying the dignified path of a gentleman through restrained male dance, directed by Jeong Koo-ho. A public open rehearsal will be held Dec 2, and a symposium on the company’s identity and future is scheduled for Dec 19.
