SA Dancers Embrace Korean Dance Melding it with Their Proud Heritage
K-pop may have dominated the dance trends among youth in recent years, with TikTok forecasting that the 'K-culture spend' will double to $132 billion by 2030. Young dancers in South Africa, however, are delving into the roots of modern Korean dance through the traditional form of 'gugak' (traditional Korean music), melding it with their own proud heritage to forge a unique identity.
The Korea Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) recently concluded a transformative two-week workshop on traditional Korean dance in collaboration with young aspiring dancers in South Africa. Held from July 8th to 19th, the workshop culminated in a spectacular performance by participants, featuring a special presentation by a visiting instructor from the National Gugak Center of Korea on July 20th.
Over twenty participants dedicated themselves to daily three-hour rehearsals to master the fundamentals of traditional Korean music and dance. Their efforts culminated in a captivating dance performance, showcasing their newfound skills to the audience.
Many participants were seasoned dancers from the Centre's renowned 'K-Pop Academy,' drawn by their passion for Korean culture. Through this workshop, they deepened their understanding of the roots of modern Korean dance beyond the popular K-pop genre.
Susan Nkata, an instructor at the Centre's K-Pop Academy, shared her enthusiasm about the workshop, noting, "It was fascinating to discover that both traditional Korean dance and K-pop emphasize synchronized choreography. Personally, I was deeply moved by the grace and elegance that traditional Korean dance exudes, which isn't always highlighted in modern K-pop dance. I look forward to blending these styles in future performances."
The culminating performance on July 20th featured a unique blend of traditional dance movements, each representing diverse cultural backgrounds reminiscent of South Africa's nickname, 'Rainbow Nation.' The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, appreciating the cultural fusion presented.
Following the participants' performance, Tae Hoon Kim from the National Gugak Center showcased quintessential Korean dance through special performances, accompanied by insightful explanations and engaging Q&A sessions. He remarked, "The passion shown by the young participants over the last two weeks, and the audience's keen interest, were truly inspiring. Most of all, it was gratifying to create a performance together with the young talented participants in South Africa through genuine cultural exchange."
The workshop, organized in partnership with the National Gugak Center of Korea, aimed to introduce South African audiences to traditional Korean music 'gugak' and foster cultural exchange between the two countries through music.
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
• Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa