South Korea is gearing up for a vibrant week of dance, with two major events scheduled to showcase a wide spectrum of talent, from innovative contemporary ballet to high-energy street performances. The Andong Culture & Arts Center will host an intimate concert experience, while the city of Wonju is set to explode with its massive, star-studded Dancing Carnival.
“Dance: Rediscovery” in Andong
As part of its “Culture Day” series, the Andong Culture & Arts Center will present “Dance: Rediscovery” on September 24th at 7:30 PM in the Baekjo Hall. The concert aims to introduce audiences to the diverse and captivating world of modern dance.
Headlining the event is the Dodam Dance Company, an emerging group founded in 2024 under the leadership of choreographer Jung Ji-woo. The company has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach, which blends the elegance of classical ballet with the dynamic energy of jazz dance. This fusion has led to the creation of the “Dancecal” (Dance Musical), a new format that combines narrative, music, and dance into a cohesive and accessible performance. By making their work engaging for audiences of all ages, the company hopes to popularize dance for a broader public. A key element of their creative process is the collaboration with resident composer Kang Hyun-min, an award-winning artist selected for Busan’s “World Class Youth” program, who ensures a seamless harmony between movement and sound.
Wonju Dancing Carnival Announces All-Star Lineup
Meanwhile, the Wonju Culture Foundation has officially unveiled the program for the 2025 Wonju Dancing Carnival, a three-day festival running from September 26th to 28th at the Wonju Dancing Performance Stage. The event promises an unforgettable experience with a packed schedule of competitive performances and celebrity concerts.
The festival kicks off on September 26th with the opening performance, “Wonju: Waves of Wonder,” featuring the Wonju Symphony Orchestra, the Kim Yong-geol Dance Company, and singer Lee So-jung. The evening will also host the finals for the top eight youth street and free dance teams, followed by spectacular celebration stages from last year’s champions, Cosmic Diplo, the popular dance crew We Dem Boyz, and a headlining performance by g.o.d.’s Kim Tae-woo.
On September 27th, the focus shifts to the top eight all-genre street dance teams, who will battle it out in a high-stakes competition. The night will also feature special performances from Dokteuk Crew, the first Korean team to win the World of Dance competition, and legendary first-generation dancer J-Black, who will perform alongside hip-hop icon Nucksal.
The final day, September 28th, will conclude the festival with a powerful lineup including Korea’s leading b-boy crew Fusion MC, Lady Bounce from the hit show “Street Woman Fighter 2,” and superstar solo artist Chung Ha. The carnival will end with a grand finale and a spectacular fireworks display.
To enhance the visitor experience, the festival grounds will be divided into five distinct zones: the Dancing Carnival Stadium (main stage), Music Spark Fringe (fringe festival), Dancing Street (street dance programs), Joseon Hot-spot (traditional programs), and Forest Alley (a relaxation and photo-op area).
A representative from the Wonju Culture Foundation stated, “We hope the Wonju Dancing Carnival will become a signature festival for the city, creating lasting memories for both residents and visitors. We are designing it as a family-friendly event where everyone can comfortably enjoy culture and art, and we ask for your interest and participation.”
