The Yeongdeok Culture and Tourism Foundation in North Gyeongsang Province announced that Hyundai Dance Company's "All the Worlds" concluded to enthusiastic applause at the Yeju Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater on August 8.
The performance, which began at 7 p.m. that evening, featured a passionate stage that combined both artistry and popular appeal, resonating with audiences of all generations and sharing moments of inspiration.
"All the Worlds" is a work by the dance company Rk Dance, founded in 2002. It has been recognized for its artistry and completeness, having been selected for the Korea Arts Council's Performing Arts Creation Support Program, winning the Grand Prize at the Seoul Arts Awards, and being chosen as a 2025-26 Quad Choice "Please Restage" selection.
The piece explores the relationship between "self" and "the world" from a multidimensional perspective, encouraging audiences to reimagine reality and envision a world of infinite possibilities and freedom. It has been praised for breaking down the boundaries of existing genres by combining contemporary dance with street dance, suggesting new possibilities for artistic expression.
This stage featured world-renowned street dancer BABYSLEEK, the dynamic house dancer Ko-c, BLACK MAMBA from the top performance group Animation Crew, and SEMI, who represents the essence of hip-hop. In addition, talented dancers such as Kim Hyunju, Jung Beomgwan, Na Jungmin, Jung Hyeji, Lee Hyunwoo, Song Yunju, and Jung Darae participated in the performance. Their group choreography, blending individual personalities and techniques, moved as if it were a single living organism, dominating the space and electrifying the audience with explosive energy emanating from the stage.
The work was structured around four themes: "Trapped Eyes," "Dimensional Shift," "World of Dance," and "Multiverse." The choreography and scene composition, which seemed to blur the lines between reality and the virtual, broke down the boundaries between the stage and the audience, drawing viewers into the movement. Unique stage visuals, lighting, and music also played a vital role in conveying the message of the dance, further enhancing the overall quality of the performance.
The audience continued to express their admiration after experiencing the powerful performance. One attendee remarked, "It felt like watching a futuristic film?such a sensory stage," and added, "I used to think contemporary dance was difficult to understand, but I was completely absorbed in this show." Some audience members remained in their seats even after the performance ended, giving prolonged applause and expressing their gratitude to the young dancers and staff.
This "All the Worlds" performance was made even more meaningful by the attendance of 20 youth members from "Dream Dance Company Yeongdeok," which is experimenting with the fusion of contemporary and street dance. Lee Kyungeun, the director of Rk Dance and choreographer of "All the Worlds," also serves as the artistic director of the Anyang Foundation for Culture and Arts Dream Dance Company, allowing for a natural opportunity for exchange during the event.
Having proven its potential as a new cultural content that resonates with the audience's sensibilities, Rk Dance's "All the Worlds" will continue to blur the boundaries between artistry and popular appeal as it embarks on a nationwide tour, beginning with the Yeongdeok performance.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
