Korean Traditional Dance Performance Promotes Cultural Exchange with Canada and the U.S.

Courtesy of National Theater of Korea

The National Dance Company of Korea embarks on a North American tour, featuring their signature performance, "Scent of Ink," as a part of a cultural initiative to enhance mutual understanding and respect between Korea and North America. This cultural journey coincides with significant diplomatic milestones: the 60th anniversary of Korea's diplomatic relations with Canada and the 70th anniversary of the alliance with the United States.

The inaugural show of the tour occurred on Oct. 10 at the National Arts Centre-Southam Hall in Ottawa, filling all 2,000 seats and receiving praise from both the audience and performing arts officials. Artistic Director Kim Joung-dug explained that "Scent of Ink" offers a reflection of Korea's traditional culture, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the essence of Korean nobility.

Following the successful performance in Ottawa, the next show is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Eisenhower Theater of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In anticipation of this performance, the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. organized a Korean dance master class for students from George Mason University.

The performance, directed by Jung Ku-ho and choreographed by Yun Sung-joo, titled "Scent of Ink," is themed around "sagunja," or the Four Gracious Plants, symbolizing orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom, representing the changing seasons. The choreography embodies the subtlety and restraint intrinsic to Korean dance, encapsulating the essence of the Korean spirit.

Following the North American tour, "Scent of Ink" will be staged at the National Theater of Korea's Haeoreum Theater from Dec. 14-17, marking its return to Korea after four years.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com