Korean dance places a strong emphasis on mood – reaching a state of ecstasy and joy – rather than on plot or story line.
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 Soo Ryu School of Dance and Drum 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.
NEW! Korean Cultural Summer Camp
The Korean Canadian Cultural Association (KCCA) and Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada (KDSSC) have joined in a collaboration to create the very first Korean Cultural Summer Camp in Toronto. The camp will feature traditional dancing, samulnori and traditional Korean arts and crafts. The camp is open to all students from Gr. 1 to Gr. 9. The goal of our camp is to give children hands–on experience with the beauty and grace of Korea’s 5000–year old culture.
Led by the experienced teachers from the Mi Young Kim Dance Company, participants will the basics of Korean dance, including the puppet dance, Dae Jang Keum Chum and angel dance. They will even learn to make their own fans and hairpieces for the performance. We also offer lessons on traditional Korean customs, such as how to wear traditional costumes, curtsy and traditional children's games. Mr. Charles Hong and his senior student from Jeng Yi will give an introductory course on the art of samulnori, traditional percussion music that stems from the lively folk music of agricultural Korea.
Date: camp from July 5 to 9, performance and exhibition on the last day
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm daily
Eligibility: boys and girls from Gr. 1 to Gr. 9
Location: Korean Cultural Centre (1133 Leslie St., Toronto, Ontario.)
NEW PRICE! $250/each. Extended childcare available.
For inquiry and registration: email KCCA at kcca1133@yahoo.com or call 416–383–0777
GENERAL CLASSES
General classes are geared towards those interested in learning Korean dance.
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PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM
The professional training program focuses guiding and teaching professional dancers.
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SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM
The summer intensive course program consists of 10 classes that are focused on specific skill or work.
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