DNA Presents Sunhwa Chung/Ko-Ryo Dance Theater, Now thru 10/20

Showcasing its dedication to presenting and supporting the work of International Artists, Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) invites Sunhwa Chung/Ko-Ryo Dance Theater to join the DNA PRESENTS family, tonight, October 17 through the 20th. Arirang – We Go Beyond the Crossroad, choreographed and directed by Sunhwa Chung, blends traditional Korean dance with contemporary Western forms. The program features live music, composed and performed by Korean Traditional Drummer Vonggu Pak, with accompaniment by violinist Sarang West. The 90-minute performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each night with an additional matinee on October 20 at 3:00 p.m.

Celebrating ten years, Ko-Ryo Dance Theater performs the New York premiere of the autobiographical work Arirang – We Go Beyond the Crossroad. The multi-disciplinary piece explores Chung’s attempt to remain close to her roots as she grew beyond her culture, embracing the customs and ideas of another. Chung created the eight-part piece in reflection of her departure from native Korea and her assimilation to the United States. Arirang, the title of the work, refers to arguably the most popular of all Korean folk songs. Guest violinist and collaborator Sarang West and drummer Vonggu Pak will perform the piece’s score live at each performance. The eclectic soundtrack also features music by 18 diverse artists, including Pauline Viardot, Hwang Byung-Ki, Danny Elfman, Hwang Sang Jin, Kodo and Stephen Warbeck. Costumes were designed by Meg Kinney and lighting by Miriam Crowe.

“DNA has long included International Artists in both our educational and performance programming, some of whom are now Bessie Award-winners and nominees, and performing at BAM, the Joyce, Lincoln Center, etc” says Artistic and Executive Director Catherine Peila. “Inviting artists to New York and supporting them through our residencies and robust International Student Visa Program reflects our connection to the global development of dance. Sunhwa’s work taps into the American immigrant’s process of self expression—offering both artists and audience members the opportunity to initiate deeper conversations regarding belonging, cultural integration and innovations.”

Choreographer Sunhwa Chung was born in Pusan, Korea and moved to the United States in 1994. She has performed throughout Korea, Japan and the United States, including the Kennedy Center, American University Experimental Theater, Asian American Arts Center and the Korean Embassy. She performed in televised productions during the Asian Games of 1986 and the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Chung has also danced with Foreign Connection Cultural Ensemble and HANULSORI, a Korean music and dance ensemble, in a style known as Samulnori. She has taught Korean traditional dance at St. Andrew Korean School; the Kennedy Center; The University of Maryland, Baltimore County; and various high schools. She earned a BA in dance at Pusan Women’s University in Korea and an MA in dance from American University.

Chung formed Sunhwa Chung/Ko-Ryo Dance Theater, in 2001. Ko-Ryo Dance Theater works explore themes of separation and unity and cultural interplay with a faithful emphasis on human emotion and expression. A member of Korean traditional percussion group Da-de-rae-gi, Chung often incorporates traditional music into her choreography to celebrate her heritage and cultivate cultural awareness.

PERFORMANCES
Tonight, October 17 - Saturday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m.

An opening night reception will be open and free to the public one hour beforecurtain on October 17. Audience members are invited to stay for a post showdiscussion immediately following the performance on October 19.

TICKETS
Tickets may be purchased online at www.dnadance.org, by calling 212.227.9856 or on site two hours before curtain. Cost is $17 for general audiences, $14 for students and seniors, $12 for DNA members and advanced sales. Discounted tickets are available by phone for groups of six or more. All sales are final.

VENUE INFORMATION
DNA is located at 280 Broadway (entrance at 53 Chambers Street), New York, NY 10007, near the R/W to City Hall, 4/5/6 at Brooklyn Bridge, J/M/Z, A/C/E or1/2/3 at Chambers Street, and 2/3 at Park Place.

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