Circle 'Round: Korean Dance and Drumming Workshop

Vongku Pak will teach and perform bongsan mask dance, using the janngu (hour glass drum) as musical accompaniment. The Bongsan Mask Dance-Drama originated in Bongsan, located in Hwanghae Province in North Korea. Long recognized as one of the finest forms of Korean mask dance drama, it combines dance, dialogue, gesture, song, and music with colorful costumes and masks. Bongsan was traditionally performed at rural markets and satirized the noble classes. Although the dance, consisting of strong and percussive movements was originally performed by men, female entertainers began to perform it in the 1920's. Participants in Vongku's workshop will learn a small portion of this complex art form.

ABOUT THE PERFORMER 

Vongku Pak is a Korean-born and Sunset Park-based artist who specializes in Korean folk arts, including poongmul (processional dance), samulnori (drum and gong ensemble), and bongsan mask dance. He has studied with Master 'National Treasure', Hyungsoon Kim, and utdari poongmul master Kibock Kim. Vong performs in New York and internationally; He travels regularly to Korea to deepen his knowledge of traditional Korean art and ritual.

ABOUT CIRCLE 'ROUND BROOKLYN 2009

Circle 'Round's 2009 theme is dances that drum/drums that dance. The dances featured are all integrally related to percussion. In some cases the body makes the percussive sound 'through hand clapping, foot stomping, or maneuvering props such as bamboo sticks. In others, drummer and dancer communicate with each other through rhythmic exchanges of question and answer, or the dancer drums while dancing- blurring the distinction between musician and mover. The dancers/ drum teachers of Circle 'Round and audiences have opportunities to learn about each others traditions and to jam together at the Dance and Drum Jam.

This workshop is part of Circle 'Round Brooklyn, Traditional Dance Workshops and Performances.