Korean Cultural Center New York presents ChangMu Dance Company

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), a branch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea, – is proud to present the ChangMu Dance Company for two exclusive performances on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, at 7:30 PM at the theater of the Korean Cultural Center New York (122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016).

Described as “hypnotic, sinuous, and serene” by La Nueva España, the ChangMu Dance Company is celebrated for its groundbreaking fusion of tradition and innovation. The company was founded in 1976 by Kim MaeJa, one of Korea’s most revered living dance masters, whose visionary leadership has shaped the landscape of contemporary Korean dance. Recognized as a pioneer in the field, Kim MaeJa has dedicated her life to preserving and reinterpreting traditional Korean dance, seamlessly blending shamanic, Buddhist, folk, and court dance traditions with modern choreography. The result is a deeply evocative and transformative experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

This rare engagement offers audiences the opportunity to experience ChangMu’s signature three-part program, a testament to the company’s artistic depth and mastery. With its mesmerizing fluidity and powerful storytelling, the performance creates a harmonious dialogue between Korea’s rich dance heritage and the bold expressions of modern movement.

Admission is free and open to the public, but pre-registrations are required.

This program is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange as part of the K-arts on the GO project.

PROGRAM

1. HERE – 1st part

Capturing the aesthetics and emotions of Korean identity, HERE reflects the deep-rooted artistic essence of Korea. This piece embodies a contemporary expression of tradition, inviting audiences into a world where the past and present exist in perfect harmony.

2. Yul – Crying Out with the Body

A self-unfolding gut ritual, where the vibrations of empathy resonate through relationships. Like unraveling tangled threads, this piece is a visceral expression—an act of confession, endurance, and embrace—carried through the body in a powerful performance.

3. Dance, That Shinmyueong

Rooted in the traditional Korean concept of Shinmyeong, this piece embodies ecstatic joy and emotional release through dance. Shinmyeong transforms deep emotions—especially the sorrow of Han (한, 恨)—into a powerful, communal energy of liberation.

At its core, the performance captures the purest artistic expression of joy and beauty, where seemingly simple movements reveal profound depth. Tension and release unfold through dynamic sound—not as a force of destruction, but as an energy deeply woven into the people, shaped by both joy and sorrow. Here, dance becomes the ultimate manifestation of Shinmyeong, breaking free from the weight of Han and elevating it into a moment of transcendence and freedom.

Korean Cultural Center New York
Inaugurated in 1979, the Korean Cultural Center New York is a branch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea. KCCNY works to promote cultural arts exchange and stimulate interest in Korean culture through various opportunities including exhibitions, performing arts events, film festivals, educational programs, and more. www.koreanculture.org

ChangMu Dance Company
Founded by celebrated choreographer Kim MaeJa in 1976, ChangMu Dance Company has transformed Korean dance through innovative choreography combined with poetry and painting. Along with its creativity, ChangMu also displays the troupe’s mastery of traditional Korean dance, including shaman dance, Buddhist dance, folk dance, and court dance. ChangMu’s new work will showcase the impressive skills of their beautifully trained dancers.

For more information and to reserve your spot, visit KCCNY’s website.

For press inquiries: Hyunhee Lee, [email protected]

SOURCE Korean Cultural Center New York