Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre to Make International Debut of MIMESIS in Washington, D.C.

A Contemporary Reimagining of Korean Traditional Dance Celebrating the U.S. 250th Anniversary

Join the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea as we proudly present the international premiere of MIMESIS by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre at Washington, D.C.’s Warner Theatre on Sunday, September 27, 2026! 

This landmark original work by one of Seoul’s premier dance companies reimagines eight traditional dances through a contemporary lens. Following its world premiere in Seoul in 2025, this first performance of MIEMESIS outside Korea also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026 and the rich history of Korea-US ties through the universal language of dance.

Drawing on archetypal figures from traditional Korean society—including influential women, scholars (seonbi), shamans, and royalty—MIMESIS brings Korea’s cultural heritage to the modern stage through contemporary choreographic language. Twenty dancers from the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre will be part of a 30-member performing company traveling to Washington, D.C. for this epic 75-minute production.

As K-Pop, dramas, and other Korean cultural content continue to capture global attention, various icons of Korean cultural heritage have become familiar sights for international audiences, including the wide-brimmed traditional Korean hat (gat) and aesthetically structured traditional Korean clothing (hanbok). MIMESIS, however, invites audiences to experience a deeper dimension of Korean culture beyond mere visual elements, through the distinctive movement, breathing rhythm, and emotional expression of Korean traditional dance.

This free, public performance aims to bring the artistic depth and contemporary beauty of Korean traditional dance to American audiences while expanding the possibilities of cultural exchange between Korea and the United States.

Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre presents MIMESIS

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 8:00 p.m. (75 minutes)

The Warner Theatre (513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004)

Admission to this event is free with advance registration (below). 

SOLD OUT - Tickets for this event are currently sold out. Please stay tuned for further updates.

RESERVE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT!

About MIMESIS

MIMESIS is a contemporary reinterpretation of eight traditional Korean dances, drawing inspiration from the elemental flow of nature. The work’s title refers to the artistic representation of an essential reality, and the production looks beyond the established forms and conventions of traditional dance to explore their underlying spirit expressed on a contemporary stage. Premiered at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul in 2025, MIMESIS drew significant public attention, selling out all performances. The 2026 Washington, D.C. engagement marks the work’s international premiere.

The eight traditional dance forms that comprise MIMESIS include classical court dance, Hanryangmu, Sogochum, sword dance, Salpuri, Seungmu, shamanic dance, and Taepyeongmu. The distinct movements of each dance are reimagined through the conceptual imagery and rhythm of water, wind, earth, lightning, air, sky, fire, and light. Each section represents a distinct visual and emotional world while also merging Korea’s cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics.

Rather than simply reproducing traditional forms, MIMESIS explores the essence of Korean dance through distinct concepts of movement, breath, rhythm, gesture, and emotional expression. Contemporary music, costume design, and staging serve to further transport these historical dances into the modern era, creating a work that bridges Korea’s past and present.

Artistic Director & Choreographer Hea Joung Yun

Hea Joung Yun, Artistic Director and Choreographer of MIMESIS, is a dancer, choreographer, and arts director whose work brings together the depth of Korean traditional dance and contemporary creativity. A former principal dancer of the National Dance Company of Korea, Yun is also a designated practitioner of Hanryangmu, recognized as Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 45. Yun previously served as Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of the Gangwon Provincial Dance Company and has created works including A Slow Dream I & II, Digital Bonpuli, and Twisting the Myth—Mago. Her work explores tradition and modernity, history and the human experience through contemporary perspectives. She has received honors including a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation, a Prime Minister’s Commendation, and the Traditional Artist of the Year Award. She currently leads the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre as its Artistic Director.

About the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre

Established in 1974, the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre is one of the resident companies at Seoul’s esteemed Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and has been a leading force in Korean dance for more than five decades. Dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting Korea’s cultural heritage while expanding the possibilities of Korean dance, the company has developed a diverse repertoire spanning traditional Korean dance and contemporary creative works.

The company has represented Korea at major international events, including the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Closing Ceremony and the 1990 Beijing Asian Games Arts Festival, and has toured extensively throughout Europe, the United States, South America, and Northern Europe. It has also appeared at internationally recognized festivals, including the Shanghai International Arts Festival.

The company’s signature work, One Dance, received the New York Dance and Performance Award (The Bessies), bringing international recognition to the excellence and originality of Korean dance. Through its continued artistic development and international activities, the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre remains committed to sharing the richness and distinctive beauty of Korean dance with audiences worldwide and advancing international cultural exchange.

For more information and content visit their website. 

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MIMESIS

 Photo Credit: Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre

Production Credits

Artistic Director & Choreographer | Hea Joung Yun
Assistant Choreographer | Chin Hee Chun
Dance Captains | Kyunga Cho, Taesun Choi
Music | Insang Yoo
Costume Designer | Jiwon Kim
Lighting | Jeong Tae Kim
Stage Manager | Minjae Lee
Wardrobe | Mira Byun, Jiyeon Cheon
Lighting Programmer | Hyung Jin Lee
Production Manager | Tae Im Kim
International Cooperation | Hwiyoung Cobb Cho, Hyeri Moon

Presented by: The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and Embassy of the Republic of Korea
In collaboration with: The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre and Warner Theatre

Produced by: The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre