Traditional Korean Dance and Music and Nanta Classes

Lee Migyung, Operating Staff at KSI Irvine, U.S.A

At KSI Irvine, we had an opportunity to learn traditional Korean dance and music as well as Nanta (a non-verbal show that incorporates traditional samulnori rhythm). Jung Daeun, who teachers traditional Korean dance at the University of Santa Monica, presented videos of samulnori (Korean traditional percussion quartet) and janggu-chum (lit. drum dance) and explained the characteristics of Korean dance and music. The video of ganggangsullae (traditional Korean circle dance) performed with American college students demonstrated how traditional Korean dance could be combined with the elements of modern and contemporary dance.

The highlight of the class was arguably the sogo-chum performance staged on Zoom. They say that the beautiful curves displayed by Korean traditional dance bear a resemblance to the curves of mountains and rivers and dancers need to express the connection between heaven and earth in their gestures and motions. While following the instructor’s hand movements, which were described as rolling up the sleeves, lifting the skirt, grooming the hair and so on, the participants found it interesting that Korean traditional dances were inspired by the natural environment and people’s day-to-day lives.

Last but not least, the participants performed Nanta with various kitchen utensils, such as cutting boards, pans and chopsticks, brought from their own kitchens and became completely immersed in the charms of Korean dance and music.

KSI Irvine has organized a wide range of cultural classes, such as the Folk Paining for the New Year and Munbaedo Experience as well as Gayageum Performance, so I hope you look forward to them.