한국국제교류재단

I spent the month of November 2002 in the city of Buffalo and other parts of New York State observing an international art program sponsored by the University of New York State at Buffalo (UB) and a “School Visit” project. UB invited Korean choreographer and dancer Sohn In-young to hold a 10-day residency in Korean traditional and modern dance. The Korea Foundation and the Korea Society, which became aware of the UB event, arranged for the choreographer to hold a series of workshops for young students in Buffalo and New York City.

Residency in Korean Dance
The “Residency in Korean Dance” was thoroughly prepared and managed by UB and as such, scored a notable success. The invited choreographer kept a hectic schedule trying to impress a better image of Korea onto students of the university’s Department of Theatre and Dance. She also lectured on Korea’s cultural heritage to students majoring in music, theatre, and painting at UB, and to senior high school students studying performing arts in the Buffalo area. She also spoke to “Asia at Noon,” an informal gathering of students, faculty and community members. Her subject was “Learning New Steps: Dance After the Reunification of Korea.”

Her residency at UB culminated in a public performance of traditional and contemporary Korean dance by Sohn and her UB students. The performance, which took place at the Katharine Cornell Theater on the night of November 13, included a variety of dance forms inspired by Korean motifs. Titled “Life is…,” the presentation featured solo dances by Sohn and group dances by UB students.

The performance enabled those in Buffalo to gain a better understanding of Korean dance. Furthermore, the Korean community in Buffalo hosted a reception after the presentation, which served to strengthen ties between UB and the community. The dance forms inspired by Korean motifs were set to be performed again during a regular presentation by students of the Department of Theatre and Dance in late 2002.

While the residency at UB only lasted 10 days, college and high school students in the Buffalo area appeared to have learned a lot about Korean culture, particularly dance. Indeed, it took about two years for UB to prepare for the residency and lecture series. The residency in Korean dance was made possible by an Asian Studies professor and was successfully managed by professors at the UB Department of Theatre and Dance.

Significance of Hands-on Artistic Education
I felt more keenly the importance of international exchanges in artistic education in New York City than I did in Buffalo. The workshops held in the Big Apple for elementary and secondary school students under the “School Visit” project were no less impressive than the international exchange program sponsored by UB. In one week, choreographer Sohn held workshops for a total of 13 schools that were selected by the New York-based Korea Society.

In each workshop on Korean traditional dance, choreographer Sohn performed several distinctive dance forms. Moreover, there were presentations of videos on Korea’s traditional arts. Then, students were invited to practice some forms of Korean dance, followed by a session of questions and answers between Sohn and the audience.

Of special note, American students displayed keen interest in Bongsan Talchum, a masked dance, and Ganggangsullae, a folk dance, which some of them gleefully practiced together with the Korean choreographer. When they uttered “Eolssu” in unison, they apparently sensed that the performers and the audience had transformed into a single entity. They were also able to have a better grasp on Korea’s distinctive musical rhythm and the communal spirit of Korean dancing. They were especially excited when they sang the refrain, “Ganggangsullae, Ganggangsullae.”

Unique Opportunities to Increase Awareness of Korea
Most American students had no idea where Korea is located. This type of international program helps young students better understand the location and cultures of other countries. People tend to cherish hands-on cultural experiences that are acquired when they are young. Consequently, I believe that the workshops by Sohn offered a valuable opportunity to make young Americans aware of Korea and its culture. After the events were over, students of Korean ancestry said they felt more proud of Korean culture. Foreign students also expressed gratitude, and even usedsuchKorean
words as “Gamsahamnida”(Thank you), “Ganggangsullae” and “Eolssu” that they learned as part of the workshop.

Most young American students are exposed to a variety of international programs such as the workshops held by Sohn In-young, and use them as a window for broadening their knowledge of culture and the arts of other countries. Educational benefits gained through hands-on experiences tend to be much greater than those gained through books. Regrettably, however, the Korean government seems decreasingly interested in publicizing Korea’s superlative cultural heritage through international programs adopted by elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Working-level officials concerned would only say, “While we are well aware of the importance of such programs, we have little money set aside for that purpose.”

Although the Korea Society has known about the importance of the “School Visit” program and its great educational benefits, it has been unable to sponsor workshops for Korean culture and the arts on a regular basis because of budgetary constraints. Despite this obstacle, however, the Korea Society, in cooperation with the Korea Foundation, was able to sponsor the “School Visit” program in 13 schools in late 2002.

Cultural Policy to Facilitate International Exchanges
I feel embarrassed when I think about the lack of Korean colleges, let alone elementary and secondary schools, which currently offer international cultural programs. In the long run, enhancing the international competitiveness of Korean arts and culture relies on whether we put into place an efficient policy that addresses this need. Government officials in charge of international exchanges need to have a fresh outlook on such activities and a strong will to put them into action. The successful outcome of the residency at UB and the Korean cultural performances in Buffalo and other areas of New York State was mainly attributable to initiatives by Korea Foundation Cultural Exchange Team Director Yoon Keum-jin, team program officer Yoo Seung-eun, and Korea Society personnel management officer Choi Young-jin. The success also relied heavily on the Korea visitors programs administered by both the Foundation and the Korea Society. The UB professor in charge of planning the UB residency and some of the school teachers who were in charge of the “School Visit” program have visited Korea under the Korea visitors programs.

It is no secret that advanced countries have been striving to increase their international competitiveness by improving their respective images through the presentation of their arts and cultures. Indeed, in the 21st century, this is one of their top priorities. Now is the time for the government to step up its financial support and, through the guidance of working-level officials, put into place a practical policy that facilitates efficient international exchanges.