Seoul City Ballet’s “Ilmu” Wins Prestigious Bessie Award for Best Choreography
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Seoul City Ballet’s choreographers Jeong Hye-jin, Kim Seong-hoon and Kim Jae-deok won the Best Choreography/Creator award at the Bessie Awards (New York Dance & Performance Awards), marking the first time a Korean public arts organization has received this honor. “Ilmu,” premiered in 2022, is a contemporary reinterpretation of the ritual dances from Jongmyo Jeryeak (종묘제례악) — Korea’s Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — blending restrained, ceremonial movement with explosive, dynamic dance. The work sold out performances at Lincoln Center in 2023 and drew praise for its visual power and modern sensitivity. The Bessies, named after famed choreographer Bessie Schönberg, are awarded by a New York panel of artists, producers and critics to recognize the most innovative works presented in the city. Sejong Center officials said the award confirms their creative capacity and signals that Korean repertory is entering global contemporary arts discourse.
