Join us for a conversation and dance demonstration with fourth-generation Korean American artist, dancer, choreographer, and celebrated Washingtonian Dana Tai Soon Burgess.   The program will explore Burgess’s personal story through his 2022 memoir, Chino: The Dance of the Butterfly, and his distinctive modern dance aesthetic, which is deeply informed by his Korean American identity. Three live dance performance excerpts will be interspersed throughout the program, highlighting both Korean and Korean American perspectives. The discussion will explore the behind-the-scenes stories of how these dance works--Leaving Pusan (2002), Becoming American (2011), and Hyphen (2008)--were completed.   Gain a deeper understanding of the joys and struggles of life as an Asian American in the U.S. and delve into the complex influences that shaped one celebrated artist’s creations.   Korean American Journeys: A Conversation with Choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Light snack reception provided at the event.    RSVP COMING SOON!  Please save the date and look for RSVP details to be added here 1-2 weeks before the event!   Performance Excerpts   Leaving Pusan (2002) “Leaving Pusan” is based on my grandmother’s emotional and physical departure from Korea in 1903. She voyaged to Oahu, Hawaii where she would work on the Del Monte plantation her entire life.  Dana Tai Soon Burgess   Becoming American (2011) “Becoming American” is based on the real life story of Katia Norri, a dancer with DTSBDC who was adopted from Korea by an American couple in New Jersey. The work delves into her journey to understand her new home.   Dana Tai Soon Burgess Hyphen (2008) “Hyphen” represents the turbulent struggle that Asian Americans feel as they solidify their identity in the American cultural tapestry. Dana Tai Soon Burgess   Dana Tai Soon Burgess is a leading American choreographer, dancer, and cultural figure known worldwide as the “Diplomat of Dance.” In 1992, he founded the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC.org), a preeminent modern dance company based in Washington, D.C. As the Company’s Artistic Director, his work explores the idea of cultural “confluence” with many of his dances focusing on the “hyphenated person” – someone who is of mixed ethnic or cultural heritage – and the emotions of belonging and societal acceptance. He has served as a Cultural Ambassador for the State Department for over two decades, an appointment he uses to promote international cultural dialogue through “the global language of dance.” He has been awarded three Fulbright Senior scholarships for dance and is a recipient of the Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture Award and the Aaron Stein Memorial Award. Burgess was the Smithsonian Institution’s first-ever Choreographer-in-Residence, 2016-2023, where he created new works inspired by museum exhibitions, participated in public dance discussions, and designed educational programming.   The exploration of dance and art is deeply rooted for Burgess. The son of two visual artists, he has always approached the stage as a canvas, and the dancers as brush strokes. In 2003, Burgess was one of only three artists featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s A Korean American Century – an exhibition highlighting the history and achievements of Korean Americans in the U.S. Dancing the Dream marked the Smithsonian’s first exhibition on American dance during this centennial celebration as well. His portrait is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and his family archives reside in the American History Museum. Burgess and the Company have received numerous awards and acclamations including the Outstanding Emerging Artist at the 12th Annual Mayor Arts Award (1994), the Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence (2005), seven Metro D.C. Dance Awards as well as the Pola Nirenska Award which celebrated trailblazers and leaders of the dance community. Burgess received the Paul Ré Peace Prize by the University of New Mexico Foundation for bridging communities around the globe through choreography. Burgess is the author of Chino and the Dance of the Butterfly: A Memoir by University of New Mexico Press and the editor of and contributor to Milestones in Dance History by Routledge/Francis&Taylor. He is also the host of Slantpodcast.com which focuses on the Asian American arts experience.

Join us for a discussion and close reading of author Cho Nam-joo's influential bestselling novel Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (82년생 김지영) with Professor Immanuel Kim of the George Washington University, at the KCCDC on Thursday, Oct. 31 (in English) and again on Thursday, Nov. 7 (in Korean)! The recent Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Korean author Han Kang has supercharged global interest in novels and creative writing from South Korea. Luckily for readers, modern Korean literature boasts a plethora of acclaimed and international bestsellers, many of which have been translated into film and television. One of the most noteworthy works in recent years has been Cho Nam-joo’s debut 2016 novel Kim Ji-young, Born 1982. This powerful narrative reflection on the experiences of women in contemporary Korean society has been hailed as both universal and a window on the modern Korea. It explores themes of identity, gender roles, and societal expectations as it tells the story of the title character, a stay-at-home-mother dealing with parenting, depression, and sexism in her daily life. Cho’s novel was extremely influential in Korea and abroad for its depiction of a female generation’s quintessential challenges, and inspired the hit 2019 K-Drama of the same name starring actors Jung Yu-mi and Gong Yoo. Bibliophiles, Korean culture fans, and Korean language learners alike are invited to dive into a new world of Korean literature with this powerful narrative reflection on the experiences of women in contemporary Korean society. In an intimate setting, participants will have the chance to read selected passages from the novel, led and introduced by literature and culture studies professor Immanuel Kim of the George Washington University. Kim’s expertise will guide the conversations and broaden participants understanding of the underlying issues and Korean society in general. Participants will also be invited to share their insights through thoughtful discussions that highlight the rich tapestry of Korean language and literature. The Oct. 31 event (1-3 p.m.) will be conducted primarily in English and will utilize the English translation of the novel, while the Nov. 7 event (1-3 p.m.) will be conducted primarily in Korean utilizing the original Korean text, suitable for Korean native speakers and intermediate/Advanced learners of Korean. Readings and discussion on both dates will be led by expert Immanuel Kim, Department Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures and The Korea Foundation and Kim-Renaud Associate Professor of Korean Literature and Culture Studies at the George Washington University. Participants are welcome to attend one or both events for the full experience! Each event includes a raffle for 5 copies of “Precious Things We Meet at the Museum," an exquisite advanced coloring book featuring playful twists on the collections of the National Museum of Korea. RSVP required below. Light refreshments will be served. Avid readers and those new to Korean literature are welcome! Bring an open mind as we navigate the complexities of modern life through the lens of Kim Ji-young’s story. As the Korean saying going, 가을은 독서의 계절 – fall is the season for literature! Language, Culture, & Society: A Close Reading of Cho Nam-joo's Novel, "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982” with Professor Immanuel Kim Thursday, Oct. 31, 1-3 PM (in ENGLISH/영어) Thursday, Nov. 7, 1-3 PM (in KOREAN/한국어) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Seating is limited. Advance registration is required.  RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! Above, from top: trailer for the drama Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 based on the novel of the same name, and a montage of international covers for the novel (image credit: Korea Herald).

  The Smithsonian National Museum of Art and the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. invite you to experience the intricacy and artistry of traditional Korean Maedeup, decorative knot crafts used as fashion accessories or home decor, in two free workshops with artist Karen Ahn!   Attendees will be introduced to the art of Maedeup (매듭), a traditional knotting craft with more than 3000 years of history. These braided cords, often woven together with precious stones, gold, or silver, are typically attached to clothing or accessories, or displayed as a part of home décor. While the demand for Maedeup ornaments declined towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), a resurgence of interest in the practice during the 1960s has produced new forms and engaged audiences worldwide. Participants will take part in this craft revival by learning two of the 38 classic Maedeup knots and use them to produce a complete piece of jewelry.   Karen Kyungwon Ahn (b. 1958, Seoul) works primarily in Maedeup, a traditional Korean knotting art. Ahn began studying Maedeup as a hobby in college and has continued refining her craft over several decade, leading workshops at the Korean Cultural Center New York, the Korea Society, Wave Hill, Stonybrook University, Flushing Town Hall (Queens, New York), and the Philadelphia Museum. Ahn studied design at Sungkyunkwan University for her Bachelor’s before graduating with an MFA in Package Design from Pratt Institute.   To learn more about the art and craft of Maedeup, check out these articles in Korea Magazine and on Korea.net.   This event hosted by the Smithsonian National Museum of Art (NMAA) is co-presented with the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.   Making Maedeup: Decorative Korean Knotting Workshop with Karen Ahn Location: National Museum of Asian Art, East Building (Arther M. Sackler Gallery), B1 Gallery 27 Workshops:  ●Thursday, Oct. 24, 1-5 p.m. (Necklace) ●Friday, Oct. 25, 1-5 p.m. (Brooch) RSVP via the NMAA website here!       

Join the 2024 K-Pop Academy in Washington, D.C.! The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. is thrilled to announce the 2024 K-Pop Academy, running from July 1 to July 13, 2024. This two-week program offers K-pop enthusiasts a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Participants will receive professional training in both vocal and dance performance from top instructors.  Program Details: Dates: July 1 - 13, 2024 Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20008) Instructors: Renowned K-pop artists and professional trainers Activities: Vocal and dance training and a final showcase performance Fees: Free to apply and participate!  Beginner Dance Class Starts July 1 View the full schedule for this class HERE   Beginner Vocal Class Starts July 1 View the full schedule for this class HERE   How to Apply: Application Deadline: June 16, 2024 Selection Announcements: June 20, 2024 Eligibility: Open to all K-pop fans aged 15 and above Application Process: Submit your application through the online form linked below.  Applicants selected for participation will be contacted directly. Please understand that the process is competitive, and that due to strong interest only a portion of applicants are selected for participation. In your application, be sure to express your passion and tell us what participating would mean to you! Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful and to convey, for example, their passion, how they could benefit from the program, or their personal motivations, all of which will be considered. Participants are not selected based on individual skill but on maximizing the overall positive impact of the program. 👉Apply Now! 👈