The National Dance Company of Korea's modern dance extravaganza "Tournament" will be opening the National Repertory Season 2014-2015 at the National Theater of Korea.


The season's opening show will put on dazzling dance performances in the theater's main "Hae" hall between September 17 and 20.

The concept is battle. The choreography will display many examples of ambivalence, stories of the heavens and the earth, the strong colors of red and blue in the costumes and the concept of the yin and yang, as well as featuring both string and percussion instruments.

"Tournament" was co-choreographed by two artists who embody two totally different styles. Choreographer Yun Seong-ju has a strong and heavy style and tends to create traditional dances, while Ahn Sung-soo pursues graceful, elegant and refined moves. The way in which the conflict between the two different choreographers is transformed into a harmonious whole has raised high expectations among the fans.


Over the past few years, the National Dance Company of Korea (NDCK) has tried to build an image of Korean traditional dance as being modern and refined, but still stick to traditional Korean elements.

"Tournament" is expected to tear down stereotypes of the nation's traditional dance by displaying a contrast between the sounds of traditional percussion and classical European melodies, along with some aspects of dance fantasy. In particular, the battle between humans, who wish to conquer heaven, and the opposite guardians of heaven, will bring to the stage vibrant yet elegant dance moves to mesmerize the audience.

The stage design is inspired by both chess and by janggi, what can sometimes be called "Korean chess." It is reminiscent of the two classical games, filled with black and white, and there is a yellow chessboard on which dancers crisscross across the stage.

The dance battle between the two teams of 16 dancers invites viewers to experience the diverse contrasts that exist in the world, such as that between males and females, between the individual and the group and between the Asian philosophical concepts of the yin and the yang. Just as the title suggests, the performance arouses the tension of the audience, as if they are involved in a true tournament.

In all, "Tournament" would be a good starter for those who are not familiar with the modern Korean dance scene.

More information and details are available at the National Theater of Korea's website (http://www.ntok.go.kr).




By Lee Jeong-rok, Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writers
(All photos courtesy of the National Theater of Korea)
jeongrok@korea.kr