The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre is preparing to debut "Mimesis," an ambitious new production that reimagines eight traditional Korean dance forms through a contemporary lens. The performance, scheduled to run from November 6-9 at the Sejong Center's M Theater in Seoul, explores the connection between human movement and natural elements. Ki Moo-gan, who gained popularity from Mnet's dance competition show "Stage Fighter," has joined the company for this premiere production.
The production's dramatic opening piece, "Janggeommu" or "Long Sword Dance," showcases dancers wielding long swords as they leap and roll across the stage. The performers strike the floor, spin, and slice through the air while the sharp metallic sound of the kkwaenggwari, a small Korean gong, builds in intensity. The scene reaches its climax when dancers soar upward and drive their blades straight into the ground, creating an image reminiscent of lightning striking the earth.
The eight movements in "Mimesis" each represent different aspects of nature and Korean cultural heritage. The grounded footwork of "Sogochum" or "Small Drum Dance" symbolizes the earth, while "Hallyangmu" or "Prodigal Man's Dance," with its flowing robes and fans, captures the essence of wind. "Mudangchum" or "Shaman's Dance" burns with the improvisational energy of fire, demonstrating how each dance form connects to natural elements.
The production's title draws from Aristotle's concept of mimesis, which describes artistic creation as a form of imitation. However, for the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre, this imitation goes beyond simple replication. "It's about refining and reshaping tradition to reveal its essence," explained artistic director Yun Hea-joung during a group interview with the press. She emphasized that the eight selected dances represent the diversity of Korea's traditional and folk heritage.
"We chose eight that represent different social classes and professions -- from the gyobang courtesans and the noble hallyang to military generals, shamans and monks," Yun Hea-joung said. "Each has its own history and we tried to avoid overlap so that every piece carries its unique rhythm and identity." This careful selection ensures that each movement tells a distinct story while contributing to the overall narrative of the production.
Costume designer Kim Ji-won approached the project with a similar philosophy of preserving essential beauty while embracing innovation. Her designs maintain the recognizable silhouettes of traditional hanbok, including skirts, jackets, and robes, but feature altered proportions, layering, and deconstructed elements. "Before designing, I studied the original shapes and focused on creating minimal, clean lines," Kim explained.
The color palette for "Mimesis" moves beyond conventional expectations of Korean traditional dress. While many people associate Korean tradition with the five cardinal colors known as "obangsaek," Kim drew inspiration from "gansaek" -- the natural hues found in Korea's landscape. "The palette draws directly from mountains, seas, soil, stones and flowers, echoing the colors of the natural world," she explained, creating costumes that visually reinforce the production's connection to nature.
Ki Moo-gan's participation adds contemporary credibility to the traditional production. Despite his background in Korean dance, Ki has spent recent years exploring experimental movements, making his return to traditional forms particularly meaningful. "I studied Korean dance for many years, but over time I began pursuing different directions and moved away from tradition," Ki reflected. "So it's refreshing to return. It took some time to adjust, but I wanted to recapture that feeling, find the rhythm again and do it justice."
"Mimesis" represents more than just a dance performance; it serves as a bridge between Korea's cultural past and its artistic future. By reinterpreting traditional forms through contemporary vision while maintaining respect for their origins, the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre demonstrates how cultural heritage can evolve while preserving its essential spirit. The production promises to offer audiences both the familiar comfort of traditional Korean dance and the excitement of innovative artistic expression.
