In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and Korea's National Foundation Day, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a special performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Eisenhower Theater on Wednesday, October 18. Inspired by the shared history and vibrant cultural ties that unite Koreans and Americans, around 1,000 guests enjoyed this special event which explored the past, present, and future of performing arts in Korea, from an original work by the National Dance Company of Korea, a hanbok fashion show presented by The Korean Cultural Association and a dynamic LED dance by Saengdonggam Crew.

In Act I, The National Dance company made their debut U.S. performance with their original contemporary dance "Scent of Ink," a work infused with the spirit of traditonal scholars. The intellectual nobility who once aspired to be free from the taint of the world were visualized in graceful style, represented on stage by an iconic form of Korean literary painting and traditional philosophy known as the Four Gracious Plants. The work consisted of a prologue, epilogue, and a scene for each of the four seasonal florae: plum blossom (spring), orchid (summer), chrysanthemum (autumn), and bamboo (winter).

In Act II, The Korean Culture Association and Saeng Dong Gam Crew showcased two lively performances to create a rich stage. The Korean Culture Association showcaseda hanbok fashion show that inherits the spirit of tradition and innovation with the traditional and modern clothes of Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothes. For the performance commemorating the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the two countries, special Stars and Stripes and Taegeukgi hanboks were presented. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong and his wife also made a special appearance as models at the hanbok fashion show. 

Saengdonggam Crew presented two dynamic dances, Hwagwanmu and Cheongomu, representing a rebirth of Korean beauty through a harmonious blend of traditional court attire and LED technology. In the traditional Hwagwanmu, beautifully dressed dancers flicked elongated hansam sleeves in the air to welcome and bless their audience, while Cheongomu used the beating of a drum to symbolically open the gates of heaven and welcome an era of peace. Traditional yonggo drums and rich costumes were integrated with LED lighting systems to create an original performance of percussion, dance, and play.