As part of the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and South Korea, the Italian Cultural Institute of Seoul brought the magic of Italian Renaissance dance to the stage. The nine artists of the company “La Rossignol” enchanted the Korean audience, transporting them to a magical and glorious past.
The first performance, “Balli suavi et amorosi,” took place on 16 August at the Sowol Art Hall theatre of the Korean partner Seondong Foundation for Arts and Culture, where the audience was able to immerse themselves in the beauty of Renaissance dances performed by the dancers and musicians of “La Rossignol.” The performance took the spectators to a noble and sumptuous court, giving them a unique opportunity to closely observe historical costumes and instruments.
The second performance took place in the garden of the Deoksugung Royal Palace, located near Seoul City Hall and a landmark of the Korean capital, which was opened for the first time to our country. Here, in the enchanting setting of Seokjojeon and in the presence of Ambassador Emilia Gatto and other officials from academia and the international diplomatic corps, the Italian dancers encountered Korean traditions, creating a unique moment of cultural exchange.
The show, entitled “Dancing Italy, Dancing Korea: Renaissance period and today’s encounter,” blended Italian Renaissance dance with Pogurak, a Korean court dance from the Goryeo period performed by the dancers of Deokwon Art High School. The conclusion of the performance, a collective choreography between Italian and Korean artists, symbolised the meeting of two rich cultures and highlighted the historical and cultural value of both countries.
This event, organised in collaboration with the Deoksugung Palace, La Rossignol, Yangyoungeun Beyond Ballet, Deokwon Art High School, the Embassy of Italy in Seoul, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rome, the Korean Cultural Institute in Italy, and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), not only celebrated the “Year of Cultural Exchange between Italy and Korea 2024-2025” but also laid the groundwork for future cultural and artistic exchanges between two traditional dance companies.
Credits: IIC Seoul- H.E. Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo
