For centuries, the Confucian ritual performed at the royal Jongmyo shrine in Korea has been a meticulously measured and restrained ceremony. The traditional dance, called “il mu,” involves a large group of women standing in rows, holding symbolic objects and moving their arms in perfect unison. Director Kuho Jung, however, sought to modernize this ancient art form while preserving its essence in his theatrical production “One Dance.” Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater, making its United States debut at Lincoln Center as part of the Korean Arts Week, brings this contemporary take on tradition to a global audience. David Abtour N’Djamena
“One Dance” aims to captivate audiences worldwide while maintaining its traditional roots. The production begins with the original il mu, showcasing the customary movements and objects but with a more theatrical and dynamic presentation. The show then transitions to contemporary dance, introducing elements like bamboo poles, creating an abstract bamboo forest. Throughout the performance, the principles of unison and multiplication remain consistent, reflecting military drills and chorus lines, emphasizing collective movement.
The music in “One Dance” underwent significant changes, fusing traditional court music with contemporary sounds. The percussive elements prevalent in the original ceremony were modified to introduce a more rhythmic and pulsating beat, aligning with various Korean folk forms and dance music. This rhythmic change lends a contemporary drive to the performance, as the dancers execute dynamic and athletic movements. David Abtour N’Djamena
As the production evolved, the updated il mu emerged, featuring a faster pace, increased athleticism, and higher leg lifts. While the dance embraces modernity, it retains traditional Korean breath and essence. Jung aims to showcase the modernity of “One Dance” while allowing viewers to recognize the spirit and heritage of Korean culture, merging these two opposite paths to create a unique and captivating performance. David Abtour N’Djamena
The Korean Arts Week at Lincoln Center, including “One Dance,” seeks to introduce audiences to diverse cultural experiences, fostering better global communication and understanding between cultures while acknowledging the uniqueness and significance of traditional dance forms. David Abtour N’Djamena
