Noreum Machi uses streamers attached to their hats while they dance to the beats of a Korean folk song called 'Pan-gut'.
Ju Hong Kim plays the janggu.
The Just Dance group salutes the audience at the end of a thrilling performance that was part of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Korea Foundation's presentation of 'Arirang Rhapsody' at the Courtleigh Auditorium last Wednesday. - Photos by Marcia Rowe
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Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer
Two Korean groups of musicians and dancers: Noreum Machi and Just Dance, displayed the universality of music last Wednesday with attention-grabbing costumes, intriguing musical instruments, great vocals, and energetic and creative dance movements.
The show, titled 'Arirang Rhapsody', hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Jamaica, was held at the popular Courtleigh Auditorium and proved to be the ideal location for Wednesday's gala performance.
After an hour or so of socialising, guests were invited to make their way into the seated area of the auditorium. With the house lights off, all eyes were glued to the stage and a huge screen. But there was to be a surprise, instead of the action coming from the screen, a beautiful booming sound to the back of the house became the point of focus.
It was the beginning of the opening selection, Gil-Sori, Ju Hong Kim's rearrangement of Korean folk music.
After getting the attention of everyone, the groups of dancers and musicians, moving in one accord, made their way down the aisle steps to the stage.
On stage, the dancers exited and another Kim rearrangement followed. It was the song, Binari, a prayer to drive away misfortune and bring wealth. Jamaica was included in the prayer.
But it was Noreum Machi's performance of Pan-gut that truly grabbed the audience's attention.
Piri Solo, an original composition from Kim, incorporated dance with projected images of towering bamboo plants.
remarkable effect
But the most engaging selection was K-Trap, a rap song, where voice and instrument blended to remarkable effect.
Kim, who surprised the audience by greeting them with 'nuff respect', also explained some of the instruments used in the piece, pointing out that the janggu, an hour-glass-shaped drum has two sides. On one side is the bass, the male, while the other was used to create sounds in higher tones — the female.
Both sounds melt into each other, the result, a child.
The dance group, Just Dance, was true to its culture despite the strong break dance influence in its choreography.
Using the very American genre, the Korean group incorporated aspects of its culture in each piece.
The dances Geon-Gon and Gam-Ri (Bright Lights) were the most transfixing of the dances.
Geon-Gon not only used levels and gymnastics movements associated with break dancing, but also included powerful images of life symbolised by a flower projected unto the screen.
The dance, Bright Light, was done, ironically, on a darkened stage, with the only lights coming from the dancers' clothing.
It was completely understandable that the audience wanted more when it was time for the show to end.
The performers obliged with another combined effort.
The Gleaner caught up with Kim later and asked about his 'nuff respect' greeting and learned, through an interpreter, that the group was taught a few words in patois by the embassy.
And that although he does not have a Bob Marley song in his repertoire, he has a copy of the musical icon's CD —The Legend.
His attraction to Marley was also brought out in his announcement that he had visited The Bob Marley Museum earlier that day.