The production follows Kim's October premiere at the International Modern Dance Festival

Courtesy of Korea National Contemporary Dance Company

The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC) is set to commence its 2024 season with a new production titled "Jungle," choreographed by the company's director and artistic director, Kim Sung-yong. The performance is scheduled to run from April 11 to 14 at the Seoul Arts Center’s CJ Towol Theater. 

▲ Dancers rehearse a scene from "Jungle" / Courtesy of Korea National Contemporary Dance Company

Kim, who officially assumed his role on May 11, 2023, for a three-year term, previously debuted "Jungle -- Sense and Response" in October at the International Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE), marking his inaugural choreographic work since taking office. The upcoming "Jungle" production, returning as a full repertory piece, will feature the same ensemble of 17 dancers who participated in the premiere.

While the previous work explored movements emphasizing "sense and response" captured during the dancers' creative process, this year's "Jungle" shifts its focus to highlight the individual uniqueness of the dancers, as communicated by the KNCDC.

▲ Dancers rehearse a scene from "Jungle" / Courtesy of Korea National Contemporary Dance CompanyThe choreography for "Jungle" is shaped by Kim's unconventional movement research, "Process Init." This approach delves into the interactions and narratives exchanged between the choreographer and the dancers, illustrating the expressions crafted throughout the creative process. Described as a bilateral undertaking, the dancers actively contribute to the choreography, responding to the choreographer's guidance.

As part of the performance-related program, the KNCDC has scheduled a screening of the documentary dance film "Listen to Your Body" on March 16. Also choreographed by Kim, the documentary spans four months, covering the auditions in July to the staging of "Jungle -- Sense and Response" in October.

Sayart 

Sayart, sayart2022@gmail.com