ARCO Premieres Four Original Dance Works in 'Dance UPRISE'

The Korea Arts & Culture Education Service (ARCO) announced on November 4 that the ARCO·Daehakro Arts Theater will present four dance productions under the program 'ARCO Dance UPRISE' at the ARCO Arts Theater Small Theater in Daehakro, Seoul, from November 5 to 12.

ARCO Dance UPRISE is a program designed by the Arts Theater to support the artistic growth of dance creators. Launched in 2024 as 'ARCO Dance & Connection,' the program has been rebranded this year as ARCO Dance UPRISE to further clarify its purpose.

ARCO Dance UPRISE is divided into 'Stage 1,' which supports the premiere of new works, and 'Stage 2,' which helps further develop these premieres into completed works of one hour in length. The structure aims to provide a foundation for continuous artistic growth, moving beyond temporary production support.

This year, for Stage 1, a total of 76 works were submitted through an open call in March, and in May, works by four choreographers-Kim Youngchan, Jung Chanil, Park Yura, and Min Heejung-were selected.

Kim Youngchan's work, 'Denominator of Senses,' will premiere on November 5. This experimental stage art explores the diversity and differences of senses, starting from the absence of hearing. The second piece, choreographer Jung Chanil's 'XXX' (November 7), is situated between exhibition and performance, utilizing the most suitable forms of expression and media for each project.

The third piece, Park Yura's 'Stunt' (November 9), explores the boundaries between body and scene, fantasy and situation. The final work, Min Heejung's 'Embodiment,' evokes the body's attitude of believing in the unseen.

ARCO Dance UPRISE is a project launched to expand the creative domains of both emerging and mid-career dance creators. With a two-year roadmap, it provides a creative support environment to ensure the sustainability of outstanding dance works. Some of the works supported in Stage 1 are selected for Stage 2 the following year, allowing them to be developed into one-hour completed pieces and ensuring that creative work can continue over a two-year period.

Choreographers Lee Haeni and Jeon Hyukjin, who participated in Stage 1 last year and were selected for 'Stage 2' this year, will also present their performances at the Daehakro Arts Theater Grand Theater and Small Theater from November 8 to 9 and December 5 to 7, respectively.

Kang Yangwon, Director of the Arts Theater, stated, "Through the ARCO Dance UPRISE project, the Arts Theater will work to expand the creative domains of choreographers."

For more details about the performances, please visit the Arts Theater website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.