The Korean Cultural Centre is pleased to share Buchaechum (the Korean traditional fan dance) performed by Yeonji Hong. This performance was filmed in a Hanok (traditional Korean house) in Korea and in Ottawa by Parliament Hills.
Ms. Yeonji Hong is an award-winning Korean dance artist who has received her Ph.D. degree in dance from Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea in 2017. Her focus is on traditional Korean dance and has acquired the essences of this dance genre through classical repertoires such as “Buchaechum”, “Taepyeongmu” (the queen's traditional dance for the peace of the country), and “Salpuri” (folk dance with a long towel to soothe the souls of the dead). As the principal dancer at the 22nd National Dance Festival in Korea in 2013, Ms. Hong was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award in recognition of her highly developed dance skills and impressive emotional interpretation.
Ms. Hong’s passion and love for Korean dance follow her in 2018 upon her arrival in Canada where she currently resides in the national capital, Ottawa. She has been active in continuing her performance engagements mainly through the Embassy of Korea in Canada and has performed in different regions and venues across Ontario, including the Ottawa City Hall, the Carleton Place in Lanark County, City of Brockville. In her effort to promote traditional Korean dance, she has also begun teaching both dancing and drumming at the Korean Cultural Centre in Ottawa since 2019.
Buchaechum (fan dance) is widely known as a representative art form of Korea. It was created in 1954 by a choreographer named Baek-bong Kim. The dance features elegant movements by performers dressed in colorful traditional gowns. The tradition of women dancing with fans comes from the dance of female shamans. Over time, this tradition was transformed and reborn into a dance that encapsulated the beauty of restraint and was performed in the royal court. In Buchaechum, fans are spread open, closed shut, and brought together to form different shapes that represent different aspects of nature. A staple of Bucahechum is the collective formation of a flower undulating in waves. The fans used in Buchaechum are made of flower prints and adorned with feathers on the rim. Although there are solo numbers, this dance is more splendid when performed by a group. Dancers are donned in royal costumes that include a sleeveless outer garment; They traditionally also wear a small tiara. Buchaechum is usually danced to minyo (folk song) accompaniment. Its technique and charm are an exquisite showcase of classical beauty.
4 окт 2024
