Basic steps to Korean dance consist of breathing from the diaphragm and movements which extend from the body as the central core. All parts of the body work as a unit with emphasis on the moving curve without high articulation. There is a relaxed quality to the motions with the hands and feet, such as arm raises and hand gestures; heel walking; turning on the heels; raising the body from a bent knee position in a soft and light manner; and jumping from a squat position. The integral force is in the breathing while the centre weight is in the upper chest. More importantly, Korean dance places a strong emphasis on mood – reaching a state of ecstasy and joy – rather than on plot or story line.
The School of Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada offers an intensive program of classes in traditional dance and drum taught by an outstanding, creative faculty of experienced teachers, including Mi Young Kim (Artistic Director, Choreographer). These programs are designed for students with a background in dance or drum, although new members are always welcome to join the general and summer intensive classes and audition for professional training.
Taste of Tal Chum
Choreograph your own Talchum using basic movements learned from the workshop.
Entrants any ages are eligible to enter the online workshops on these days:
Talchum Workshop :
Sept. 26 Sunday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Oct. 3 Sunday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The registration to kdsscinfo@gmail.com
Talchum, Korean mask dance drama, is a form of folk entertainment. “Tal” literally means “mask” and “Chum” means “dance.” Talchum dancers wear decorated masks, while they sing and dance. The masks used in Talchum have distorted, exaggerated and comical facial features which are out of proportion in most cases.
Talchum is generally played in an open field where the actors perform in the centre of the field while audience members watch the performance in a circle. The actors may modify and improvise their lines depending on the atmosphere or they may vary their performance to encourage an audience response. Moreover, towards the end of the performance, the audience joins together in robust dance. Therefore, the audience are not only mere observers but also participate in the performance.
SPONSORED BY
RHYTHM OF LIFE
“Seol-Jang-Go for Senior’s Physical Activity”
: 2020-2021 NEW HORIZON SENIOR PROGRAM Online Class
After almost all kinds of blockades of group activities, we’ve built online programs, paying attention to today’s use of technology like Zoom. The KDSSC is responding quickly to online classes to maintain the physical health and morale of the elderly. The program is sponsored by the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Seol-Jang-Go is considered a delicacy in Nongak’s performance because the melody is diverse and dynamic. It is expected that the Seol-Jang-Go class will not only practice the joyful tunes of Korean music but will also be effective in cognitive activities and physical training by playing both hands separately.
Class : Jan 7 – Mar 11 Thurs. 1pm EST (10 sessions online class)
SPONSORED BY
Children's Class
So-Go is one of the instruments, a small hand drum in Nongak which means community band music. Nongak is a comprehensive form of performance that combines labor, community, entertainment, and marches in rural communities, which have long been in the era of appeal in Korea. Basically, percussion instruments such as kkwaenggwari, gong, jango, drum, and So-Go were played together with dance and developed into a form of play after performing an event or farming. Although the So-Go is a musical instrument in Nongak, it is not a function of the instrument, but rather a sleek hand, shoulder dance, and leaping action to make the viewer dance together.
Class : June 26 – July 24. Sat. 10 am – 11 am. EST(online class, 5 sessions)
