Eight Korean traditional dance masters to perform together

Dance fans will have a rare opportunity to see masters of eight different forms of Korean traditional dance performing on the same nights at the same venue this week.

“Palmujeon,” organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, will feature eight female dance masters, each with her own unique style specializing in different genres of traditional dance.

The 2011 dance event hosted by the foundation, “Nammuyeoljeon,” featured only male dancers.

During the two-hour event slated for May 30-31, the eight dance masters will perform in different settings for the different genres of dance ― from a courtyard to a courtesan’s room, and from a Buddhist temple to a palace ― as they showcase their own specific styles on stage. 

With long white sleeves attached to her arms, Kim Jeong-neo will perform a Korean traditional spirit-cleansing dance called “salpuri,” which has its origin in the shamanistic rituals of the early Goryeo period.

Dressed in “gwanbok,” or official clothing worn in the Joseon royal court, artist Lee Hyun-ja will showcase “Taepyeongmu,” a royal court dance originally performed to wish the well-being of the country during Joseon period.

As Korea has long been influenced by Buddhism, dancers specializing in various forms of Buddhist dance will also perform.

“Seungmu,” or monk’s dance, designated as an intangible cultural property of Korea in 1996, will be showcased by Lee Ae-joo, with her signature combination of gentle yet strong movements.

Han Dong-hee will perform “Nabichum,” or the butterfly dance, which is also rooted in Korea’s Buddhist culture. During the dance, Han will wear a specially designed costume, a monk’s robe with wide sleeves called, “jangsam.”

“By holding this annual event and inviting the eight best traditional dancers of our time, I hope that the old tradition and culture of our country can continue to live on,” said Jin Ok-seob, the director of “Palmujeon.”

“Palmujeon” will be staged 8 p.m.-10 p.m., May 30-31 at Korea Cultural House in Daechi-dong, Seoul.

Tickets are priced between 10,000 won and 30,000 won. For more information, call Korea Cultural House at (02) 3011-1720 or visit www.kous.or.kr.

By Kwon Bum-joon (bjkwon@heraldcorp.com)