By Honorary Reporter Monthi Rosselini from Indonesia
Photos = Kim Bo-ram

Ambiguous Dance Company led by artistic director Kim Bo-ram went viral in 2020 thanks to its appearance in the "Feel the Rhythm of Korea" tourism promotional video series of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). The group was shown performing exciting dance moves in several Korean cities. 

Called by Yonhap News "a group of sunglass-donning dancers showing off addictive dance moves in funky outfits inspired by Korean tradition," the company in 2021 also appeared in the music video for "Higher Power" by the British rock band Coldplay.

In a written interview on Aug. 5, Kim talked more about his troupe's background and activities.

Ambiguous Dance Company on stage

Briefly introduce yourself.
I was born and raised in Korea and entered contemporary dance in an unconventional way. After spending 10 years as a backup dancer, I began thinking about how to communicate better with the audience through dance and started creating my own choreography. I founded Ambiguous Dance Company in 2007 to explore and overcome my uncertainty over dance.

How did you come up with the name?
I chose the word "ambiguous" because I felt that it resonated with the dances I created.

What genre does your company perform?
We are primarily a modern dance group that also explores other genres.

How did it feel to appear in the KTO video series "Feel the Rhythm of Korea?"
I felt fortunate to be part of promoting Korean culture. Our main focus is modern dance but the project helped us reach a broader audience.

Where have you performed overseas?

We went in January to the Davos Forum in Switzerland to promote Korean culture. Then we toured France with the performance "Body Concert" from March to April. In May, we performed at an MCM fashion show at Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates and in June, we did choreography for the Friedrichstadt-Palast Dance Company in Berlin, Germany.

From Sept. 13-15, we will perform at London's Coronet Theatre "Rhythm of Human" and do a collaboration with the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company in Wales and Korea.

Kim Bo-ram says he founded Ambiguous Dance Company to eliminate his uncertainty over dance.

What will you perform at this month's Sejong Summer Festival?
We're preparing a unique performance for Aug. 25-26 that merges club culture with dance performance. Featuring about 100 performers and three DJs, both the act's members and the audience will wear thick padded outfits to "beat the heat with more heat." Our performance aims to challenge the tendency to avoid difficulty and invite the audience to enjoy the moment at a cultural space.

What are your group's goals?
We plan to focus on dance and continuously explore how the art can pervade life. We hope someday that dance becomes the ultimate universal language.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.