Get on your dancing shoes

Open spaces host city dance events to celebrate World Dance Day


This is the official occasion for dancing all night long.

International Dance Council, International Theater Institute and UNESCO designated April 29 as International Dance Day in 1982 in honor of Jean-Georges Noverre, the founder of Ballet d’Action, or narrative ballet. April 29 was his birthday.

Following the goal of the day ― to increase the awareness of the importance of dance among the public ― various dance events will entertain millions of dancers and non-dancers throughout the world, including Korea.

Open spaces are expected to turn into dance stages in Seoul and around the metropolitan area, meeting the International Dance Council president Alkis Raftis’ message: “This year we propose making a step back towards nature by celebrating World Dance Day in open spaces: streets, squares, parks, stadiums, beaches, parking lots, clearings ― anywhere under the sky.”

Official International Dance Day events will be held at Seoul Plaza from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Korean contemporary dancer Yuk Wan-soon will perform a part from the play “Jesus Christ Super Star,” Kim Sun-hee Ballet Theater will present a gala and Poz Dance Theater will stage a mesmerizing performance of jazz dancing.

Wannabe-dancers currently attending high school and middle school will also showcase their best dances on the day. A crew from Sunhwa Arts High School will present a “character dance” and a team from Tongjin Middle School a powerful “talchum,” or Korean traditional mask dance.

Passersby are welcome to participate in the dance party which will continue at the plaza from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Incheon Art Platform is holding a community dance workshop until April 29, titled “Mother and Daughter.” Led by Finnish choreographer Hanna Brotherus, the workshop will help family members to reconnect with each other through therapeutic dance exercises.

Before the passionate vibe fades out in the city, Parsons Dance is visiting Seoul next week to perform from May 5 to 8 at LG Art Center in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul.

The New York-based contemporary dance company is internationally renowned for its simple yet powerful and breathtaking performances.

The company will showcase two repertoires ― “Caught” and “Remember Me.”

“Caught” is a solo dance by its artistic director/choreographer/dancer David Parsons. He is known to leap more than 100 times during the show which lasts less than six minutes.

“Remember Me” is a rock dance opera. Fourteen dancers and vocalists from East Village Opera Company will unfold a tragic love story. Costumes will be made by Project Runway designer Austin Scarlett, lighting design will be by Tony Award Winner Howell Binkley.

For more information on the events regarding World Dance Day, call (02) 3216-1185 or visit www.dancedaykorea.org.

For more information on Parson’s Dance show, visit www.parsonsdance.co.kr.

By Park Min-young  (claire@heraldcorp.com)