International Dance Day Message
The Covid-19 catastrophe has stopped life as we so freely knew it and
being amidst this tragedy makes us rethink the meaning of “dance”
and “dancers”. In the distant past, dance was a primal means of
expression and communication through gestures; becoming performance
art that moved the soul and inspired the audience. It is a momentary
art that is difficult to restore to its original form once completed
because it`s created with the entire body and soul. Dance is made of
ephemeral moments, which destines dancers to be on the move forever.
Yet, Covid-19 has restricted and even blocked the art of dance in its
original form.
Even though the
situation is improving, dance performances are still subject to many
restrictions. This makes us cherish the precious memories of times
when dance and dancers sparkled like jewels, conveying human anguish
and anxiety, will and hope for life, and illuminated the world.
Similarly, it is
important to recall that during the aftershocks of the Black Death in
Medieval Europe, the ballet Giselle depicting love beyond death was
performed at the Paris Opera on 28 June 1841 and received an
explosive response. Since then, Giselle has been performed all over
Europe and around the world to comfort and encourage the souls of
mankind ravaged by the pandemic. It is also my understanding of that
point, which was first demonstrated in that very performance of
Giselle, is the magnificent spirit of a ballerina trying to escape
the gravity of the world`s hardships.
The lonely and weary
audience is thirsty for the sympathy and comfort of the dancers. As
dancers, we believe that the flapping of our wings gives hope to the
hearts of those who love the art of dance and gives them the courage
to overcome this pandemic.
My heart is already
starting to pound.
Kang Sue-Jin