The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company successfully performed on tour in Astana, presenting the choreographic work Jungle at Astana Opera’s Grand Hall on August 10, El.kz cites astanaopera.kz.
The Korean Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea supported the tour. This unique performance amazed the audience with its vibrant and instinctive movements, reflecting the vitality of the wild.
The production of Jungle is based on a study of atypical movements developed by Kim Sungyong, the artistic director of the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. As a result, the viewers saw onstage a choreographic work where creation and destruction, hidden and obvious, stillness and movement, relaxation and tension coexist. All this recreated the atmosphere of the jungle, so similar to our everyday life.
The beginning of the performance was slow and mystical, but then showed diverse dance compositions, gradually increasing the speed and scope of activity. The stage was set in the middle of the jungle where lights permeated through the big trees covering the sky, while the dancers’ bodies moved under the sharp beams of light or were embraced by gentle mists. Particular attention was drawn to the unequaled movements of the dancers whocompeted to show the unique abilities of their bodies. Their movements were not just acrobatic, but real works of art that made the audience think about the weight and depth of our existence. Kang Seongryong, Kang Seunghyun, Kim Minah, Kim Yoonmee, Kim Yunhyun, Sung Minjung, Yang Jiyeon, Yu Dajeong, Lee Kyungyub, Lee Jisoo, Jung Jaewoo, Jung Juryung, Jo Hyundo, Cheon Youngdon, Choi Yeonjin, Ha Jihye, Hong Jeehyun demonstrated high level of skill.
The choreographer Kim Sungyong focused on revealing individual characteristics of each of the 17 dancers. Their competitive movements were not about who lifts their legs higher than others, but a competition for the “rarity” of connecting movements that only they can do. The dancers lay down on the floor, suddenly springing up and disappearing across the stage, folding and turning their bodies like the insects’ joints, showing a balance with seemingly impossible poses. These movements developed into a festival of unknown living organisms. The performance culminated with a circle dance showing the collective power of unified movements.
The production team included outstanding professionals in their field: composer and music director Marihiko Hara, rehearsal director Lee Junwook, text dramaturgist Kim Meyoung, set designer You Jaehun from Youjam Studio, lighting designer Lee Jungyoon, costume designer Bae Kyongsool, sound director Jung Saerom, technical director Cho Yoongeun.
The performance of the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company made a truly great impression on the viewers in Astana, who were able to see how art and nature merge together.