Message: Exploring Ballet and Korean Classical Dance (05/08/'24)

Message: Exploring Ballet and Korean Classical Dance Greetings, dance enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the contrasting worlds of Western ballet and Korean classical dance. Western Ballet: Ballet demands intense training and refinement to master its intricate movements. It's a dominant force across art, religion, education, politics, and economics. This structured and systematic approach is often compared to training dogs, as it requires dancers to conform to unnatural standards, emphasizing precision over personal expression. Korean Classical Dance: On the other hand, Korean classical dance embraces natural movement. Instead of relying on rigorous techniques, anyone can express joy and sorrow through this dance form. By balancing on their heels and moving fluidly, dancers convey emotions in a unique body language that's accessible to all. Contrast: The contrast between these two forms is striking. While ballet's structure demands perfection, Korean dance encourages freedom of movement. Ballet can feel like a spectacle, much like a fountain jetting water into the sky. Korean dance flows like water down a river, inviting participants to dance with their hearts, faces, and natural gestures. Conclusion: These contrasting dance forms reveal different paths for artistic expression. Ballet represents rigor, while Korean dance offers inclusivity. Ultimately, finding the right artistic expression is about embracing a style that heals, celebrates joy, and welcomes the uninhibited spirit. Feel free to share your thoughts on this fascinating comparison! Best, Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 8, 2024)