Korean dance ensemble examines human essence in impactful Los Angeles premiere on USC campus

Performers balanced red athletic mats atop their heads, elegantly swaying to the beat of the cha-cha. The subdued red illumination and their black attire conjured a scene evocative of the 1950s.

The spectators could scarcely have guessed how such a tender commencement would, within half an hour, transform into a fervent, martial arts-inspired exhibition of physical skill. As the music transitioned to a pulsating drumbeat, the dancers set the mats on the ground, assembling them until they nearly enveloped the entire stage.

Then, the dancers commenced to leap, align, and disperse until only two remained on the mats. One dancer abruptly dashed toward the other, soaring high into the air with a flying kick, sending the other crashing heavily to the ground. The five dancers took turns pairing off in this fashion, each delivering kicks and each being knocked down in succession.

Soon, the dancers removed their suit jackets and forcefully slammed them against the ground and their own bodies. The resounding thuds from striking the jackets became the sole sound reverberating through the venue at that moment.

This was Judo, the opening presentation by the Bereishit Dance Company, showcased to an audience of over 500 on Sunday at the USC University Park Campus. It signified the troupe’s Los Angeles debut hosted by USC Visions and Voices, a program designed to unite USC students and the broader community to celebrate and engage with the arts.

Bereishit: The inception

“The term Bereishit originates from the Old Testament and signifies ‘in the beginning,’” stated Soon-ho Park, the director and founder of the dance company.

“I am fascinated by community and how individuals unite to forge connections. Investigating those relationships through choreography is genuinely captivating,” asserted Park, highlighting his vision of exploring culture and society. “Through dance, I gain deeper insights into myself, evolve as an individual, and connect with diverse individuals.”

Bereishit has garnered considerable acclaim within the industry. Julia Ritter, dean of the USC Kaufman School of Dance, has been aware of the dance company since 2015 and has collaborated with them previously.

“Soon-ho Park’s work is amongst the most cutting-edge in the international dance landscape. Introducing him and his company to USC represented a true landmark moment, showcasing the importance of Bereishit Dance in the progression of contemporary choreography. We express our gratitude to Visions and Voices for being collaborative partners in sharing dance with the community,” Ritter remarked.

While the wider USC community may not have been well-acquainted with the dance company, that did not hinder attendees from relishing the performance and interpreting it in their unique ways.

“Judo resonates

“`like a mirror of an existence journey. You might stumble, you might experience anger, you might encounter uncertainty, but ultimately, you rise resilient,” remarked Alice Park, a sophomore at USC majoring in fine arts, who was present at the performance and assisted the dance troupe with translations during their rehearsal earlier in the day. “I had never encountered Bereishit prior to this, but I am pleased I registered for this event and attended the performance alongside my friends,” she further commented.

“The suit jackets and mats in Judo represent two aspects of human nature — aggression and resolve,” director Park elaborated in a discussion following the performance. “I drew inspiration from sports as a means for us to manage and elevate beyond humanity’s aggressive instincts and tendencies.”

Engaging traditional culture from a modern perspective

After the gripping display of Judo, the company unveiled the second piece, Balance & Imbalance, showcasing more intricate movements and a flawless blend of Korean heritage with modern dance. A singer and two percussionists, all attired in traditional hanbok, initially appeared on one flank of the stage. As the primary stage illuminated, the dancers flooded in, intertwining their forms in duets and trios, effortlessly lifting each other’s entire weight through synchronized partnered cartwheels.

Amid the modern choreography, the vocalist imparted Korean chants and recitations in harmony with the rhythmic music and dance motions. She performed Sugungga, one of the five remaining tales from the Korean pansori storytelling tradition, depicting animals vying for supremacy.

The ensemble also incorporated humor into the performance. At one instance, the vocalist chanted with more enthusiasm as she moved towards the center stage, engaging with a solo dancer who amusingly mimicked a tiger.

The physically demanding choreography, combined with Korean cultural elements and profound symbolism, captivated the audience. As Balance & Imbalance concluded, the audience rose in a prolonged, enthusiastic standing ovation.

Daria Yudacufski, the executive director of USC Visions and Voices, emphasized the link between the dance company and USC’s Arts Now initiative: “At Visions and Voices, we believe that the arts are essential for understanding one another and the essence of being human. These concepts are echoed by Bereishit, whose choreography delves into the connections between individuals and society.”

Bereishit is currently on tour across the United States, with USC as the third of five stops and the sole stop in Los Angeles.