The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre will present "One Dance," a contemporary adaptation of traditional Korean royal ceremonial dance, at the prestigious Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from August 21-24. The performance represents a modern interpretation of "ilmu," which forms an integral part of the Jongmyo Jeryeak, the sacred ancestral ritual music and dance of the Joseon Dynasty that ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910.
This remarkable cultural treasure holds extraordinary significance as it has been designated as both National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Korean government and recognized as UNESCO's World Intangible Cultural Heritage. The original Jongmyo Jeryeak was performed during royal ancestral ceremonies at Jongmyo Shrine, representing one of the most important ritual traditions in Korean history.
The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's "One Dance" has garnered widespread domestic and international acclaim for its mesmerizing presentation of "kalgunmu," a synchronized group dance that showcases the precision and harmony characteristic of traditional Korean court performances. Critics and audiences have particularly praised the production's dynamic stage performance and the company's masterful ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary artistic expression, creating a bridge between Korea's ancient cultural heritage and modern theatrical innovation.
Following the Seoul performances at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, located at 175 Sejong-daero in Jongno-gu District, the production will tour to additional venues later this year. The company plans to bring "One Dance" to the Gangneung Arts Center in Gangneung, situated in Gangwon-do Province, as well as to the Daegu Arts Center in Daegu, which ranks as South Korea's fourth-largest city. These additional performances will allow audiences across the country to experience this unique fusion of traditional Korean court dance and contemporary choreographic artistry.
Theatergoers can easily access the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts via Gwanghwamun Station on Seoul Subway Line 5, with convenient access through exits 1 through 8. For ticket information and reservations, audiences can contact the venue at 82-2-399-1000 or visit the official website at www.sejongpac.or.kr, which provides information in both Korean and English to accommodate international visitors interested in experiencing this celebrated Korean cultural performance.
