12th Buddhist Dance Festival Brings 15 Teams to Seoul
Creatrip Team
24 days ago
The 12th Buddhist Dance Festival, organized by the Buddhist Dance Competition Committee, held an international conference and final performances over two days in Seoul’s Daehangno area. Fifteen domestic and international teams presented dances interpreting Buddhist philosophy, practice, respect for life, peace, and healing. The IDANS (International Dance Network in Seoul) conference on the first day focused on promoting international exchange through Buddhist dance, with artists, planners and researchers from across Asia. The final competition and celebratory performances took place outdoors at Marronnier Park the next day, featuring traditional and contemporary pieces such as Bara Dance, Mu-a (無我), and “Lotus, Becoming the Body,” plus invited groups from Japan, Hong Kong and India. The event mixes professional and amateur performers, offering the public a chance to experience both ritual (e.g., seungmu) and modern creations, and the organizers aim to grow the festival as a platform for tradition, new works, and international collaboration.
