Performances at Sejong Center Grand Theater Through August 24
Jung Gooho, Director: "Showing the Evolution of Tradition"
"The dancers tried to synchronize not only their movements but even their breathing. That shows just how focused we are on the 'Ilmu' performance."
Choi Taehun, a member of the Seoul Dance Company, made this remark during a press call after the full-length rehearsal of "Ilmu" at the Sejong Center Grand Theater on the 21st.
"Ilmu" is a work that premiered in 2022, offering a modern reinterpretation of the ritual dance Ilmu from the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Jongmyo Jeryeak." Now in its fourth year, it has already reached its fifth performance, gaining popularity and establishing itself as a signature piece of the Seoul Dance Company. Even this upcoming run, with about a month left before opening, drew attention last month by selling out all tickets for four performances.
At the press call, Sejong Center President Ahn Hosang commented, "It seems like 'Ilmu' is really trending these days," adding, "The audience response has been so enthusiastic, even to our surprise, that it makes us want to work even harder."
Seoul Dance Company 'Ilmu' Full-Length Performance Scene Photo by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
"Ilmu" presents a new aesthetic by reinterpreting traditional dance in a modern way. In Jongmyo Jeryeak, 64 dancers perform Ilmu in neat lines in a square courtyard in front of the shrine. The Seoul Dance Company's version features more dynamic movements set to lively percussion rhythms, while still highlighting the refined beauty of restrained dance, offering a fresh appeal.
Director Jung Gooho said, "'Ilmu' is a work that shows the process of evolving traditional dance and costumes into a modern language," adding, "I tried to symbolically express that transformation while maintaining the fundamental roots." He introduced himself not as someone who simply respects tradition as it is, but as someone who modernizes it, emphasizing his focus on reinterpreting tradition in a contemporary way.
Regarding the costumes, the especially large and wide sleeves stand out. While Hanbok traditionally features wider sleeves compared to other national costumes, the sleeves used in "Ilmu" are even larger and wider.
Director Jung explained, "In contemporary dance, there is a strong sensitivity to the body's lines and movements, but in traditional Korean dance, many movements are expressed through the movement of the costume," adding, "We used longer sleeves to further amplify the movement of the costume following the dancer's movements."
Choreographer Jung Hyejin hoped that audiences would pay attention to the precisely measured formations created by the 64 dancers. She explained that, even amid dazzling movements, she wanted to emphasize order by maintaining precise formations. She said, "This work was created out of a desire for everything to go well by placing oneself within a certain order rather than standing out," adding, "I hope you notice the neatness and simplicity that emerge when the dazzling movements are brought into order."
Choreographer Kim Sunghoon, choreographer Jung Hyejin, Sejong Center President Ahn Hosang, director Jung Gooho, Seoul City Dance Company dancers Kim Kyungae and Choi Taheon (from left) are taking a commemorative photo after the full performance rehearsal and press call of "Ilmu" on the 21st at the Sejong Center Grand Theater. Photo by Sejong Center
"Ilmu" was invited to New York's Lincoln Center in 2023, where it attracted attention by selling out all seats to American audiences at the time.
Recalling that experience, dancer Choi Taehun said, "Almost the entire New York audience gave a standing ovation," adding, "It was the most fascinating experience of my dance career." He also noted about the current sold-out performances, "Most of the audience members are not dance professionals but general audiences, so it's interesting that 'Ilmu' has become widely known among the public."
"Ilmu" opens today and will be performed four times through August 24. After the run at the Sejong Center, the show will continue at Gangneung Arts Center on August 29 and at Daegu Arts Center on September 4 and 5.
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