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Flair, exuberance, meditative grace and intense energy will be on display in the enthralling programme "Splendour of Korea". Performed by the renowned Seoul-based folk art group Chae Hyang Soon Dance Company, the colourful spectacular will showcase the charming culture of Korean dance for local audiences this November.
Chae Hyang Soon Dance Company, founded in 2003, is distinguished by its efforts in reviving the core value of Korean traditional performing arts - a composite of song, dance and music. The company has frequently performed at large-scale national celebrations and has actively participated in various international cultural exchange programmes.
In the coming performance, Chae Hyang Soon Dance Company will bring 12 classical works encompassing a range of styles. "Seungmu" (Buddhist Dance) and "Geommu" (Sword Dance) are both classed among Korea's Important Intangible Cultural Properties. The serene "Chukyeonmu" captures Korean beauty to the full while the fan dance "Floral Banquet", a visually enchanting piece with elaborate costumes, is beloved by audiences for its harmony and beauty. The riveting show also features the spiritually enlightening Buddhist piece "Hwahyeonmu", which symbolically illustrates the endless cycles of nature; the uplifting "Taffy Stick Dance", depicting the festive atmosphere of a bustling, traditional Korean marketplace; and "Wind Drum", the work most identified with the dance company. In "Wind Drum", performers play a striking array of large drums, radiating vibrant energy that showcases the inner strength and passion of Korean women.
Chae Hyang Soon is highly respected as a versatile dancer and choreographer in Korea who has mastered song, dance and music in its entirety. In addition to directing Chae Hyang Soon Dance Company, she also serves as a professor of dance at Chung-Ang University. She has choreographed and directed more than 1,000 works.
"Splendour of Korea" is one of the highlights of the World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It will be staged on November 11 at 8pm at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, and also on November 12 at 8pm at the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium.
Tickets priced at $220, $160 and $130 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
Programme brochures and information on the World Cultures Festival 2011 - Enchanting Arts of Asia are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website, www.worldfestival.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999.
Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 13:58
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