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This piece, ‘Ilmu (Ilmu Dance),’ differs from other performances as it does not feature a central character. Throughout, it is made up entirely of group dances, with every precise movement of all the dancers needing to be in sync, as if the group dance itself takes on the role of the main character. All dancers from the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre put in great effort, endured injuries, and practiced extensively to attain perfection.

During a press conference held on the 28th at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, celebrating the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s “Ilmu” receiving the New York ‘Bessie Awards,’ director Jung Gu-ho stated, “The first to be commended are the dancers.”

Choreographers Jung Hye-jin, Kim Sung-hoon, and Kim Jae-duk from the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s Korean performance “Ilmu” were honored with the ‘Outstanding Choreographer/Creator’ award at the ‘New York Dance & Performance Awards’ ceremony on the 20th (local time) in New York. This esteemed award, widely referred to as the ‘Bessie Awards,’ recognizes creators and dancers who showcase remarkable talent and skill through their performances in New York.

At the meeting attended by the three choreographers and President Ahn Ho-sang of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, the choreographers also acknowledged the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre dancers and director Jung Gu-ho first during their acceptance speeches. Director Jung Gu-ho remarked, “Traditional performances cannot travel overseas without corporate support. We are also thankful to the SK Group for making the New York performance possible through their cultural arts sponsorship.”

Knowledge” reinterprets traditional Korean dances, such as the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, through cooperation between Korean and modern dance choreographers. During its 2023 performance at Lincoln Center in New York, it sold out all three shows and received significant acclaim, including a feature article in “The New York Times.” Jung Hye-jin, then artistic director of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre, said, “We didn’t expect to win; we went to the ceremony just because we were nominated. When our name was called, I thought I had stopped breathing.

In ‘Ilmu,’ lines, formations, and set movements are clearly visible to the audience. If even one individual makes an error, it becomes apparent to everyone. We had to continue rehearsing to remove any carelessness, lack of effort, or imperfections. I genuinely appreciate all the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre dancers who saw it through to the conclusion.

Kim Sung-hoon stated, “Developing ‘Ilmu’ involved numerous compromises, thoughtful consideration, and patience in bringing our team together. I feel these collaborative efforts resulted in a favorable outcome.”

Kim Jae-duk, who also wrote the music, stated, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had no projects and felt down, making ‘Ilmu’ brought me a lot of enthusiasm.”

We dedicated several months to choreographing with instructors during the day and collaborating with director Jung Gu-ho at night on the music. When updating traditions such as ‘Ilmu,’ I frequently questioned how to maintain their authenticity and how they would be viewed and preserved by future generations. It was a highly significant endeavor. I appreciate everyone who contributed to making ‘Ilmu’ happen, along with King Sejong and Crown Prince Hyomyeong.

A query emerged regarding which element of “Ilmu” impressed the Bessie Awards committee. Jung Hye-jin responded, “Director Jung Gu-ho’s remarkable ability to sustain suspense and fully engage the audience from beginning to end, combined with ‘Ilmu’s’ trait of juxtaposing stillness (‘Jeong’) and movement (‘Dong’), appealed to New York professionals.”

Although photography is not allowed in New York theaters, I observed spectators discreetly taking pictures with their phones and concealing them multiple times. I could sense their longing to record and keep the elegance of this dance.

President Ahn Ho-sang of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts said, “Our modernization of traditional dance has received international acclaim, demonstrating that our artistic values and dance style are recognized globally. This is particularly meaningful.”

Since 2012, director Jung Gu-ho and I have worked together on several projects, encountering numerous difficulties. Some people accused us of ‘destroying’ Korean traditions. With pieces such as ‘Dan,’ ‘Mukhyang,’ ‘Hyangyeon,’ and ultimately ‘Ilmu,’ we managed to overcome these obstacles.

President Ahn said, “We have arrived at this point because of the audience’s support. The struggles and efforts put in have now turned into a stepping stone toward the global stage. It is significant and greatly valued.”