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AUDIENCE REVIEW: Review: '흥|Joy' by Dahyun Kim at Queensboro Dance Festival 2022

Company:
Dahyun Kim

Performance Date:
Sep 30 2022

Freeform Review:

Dahyun Kim’s solo performance of *'흥|Joy'* at the Queensboro Dance Festival 2022 was a masterclass in embodying the raw, transformative power of Korean cultural expression. In this piece, Kim delved into the duality of *흥* (heung)—a uniquely Korean concept that captures a euphoric joy born from the depths of *한* (han), a profound, lingering sorrow. Her solo performance was not merely a dance but a powerful narrative of emotional resilience, skillfully oscillating between moments of introspection and explosive energy.

From the very beginning, Kim commanded the stage with an arresting presence. She opened with slow, deliberate movements, her face etched with a serene, almost melancholic expression. This initial stillness set the tone, allowing the audience to sense an underlying emotional weight. Yet, as the traditional Korean rhythms began to blend with contemporary beats, her body language shifted, reflecting an awakening—her limbs expanded, her steps grew light, and a smile began to spread across her face. It was as if she were shedding layers of invisible burden, inviting the audience into her journey of joy emerging from sorrow.

Kim’s choreography displayed a seamless fusion of contemporary dance and elements of traditional Korean social dances. Her gestures, though minimalistic at times, were deeply expressive, reminiscent of Korean folk movements like *강강술래* (Ganggangsullae), which symbolize communal joy and celebration. At moments, she would pivot into intricate footwork that echoed the playful spontaneity of *탈춤* (Korean mask dance), while other sections revealed sharp, syncopated rhythms akin to house dance, showcasing her versatility as a performer. This blend of styles created a dialogue between the past and the present, tradition and innovation.

Throughout the performance, Kim’s facial expressions were as dynamic as her movements. With every shift in the music, her expression transformed, capturing a wide spectrum of emotions—from the solemnity of quiet reflection to the liberating exhilaration of letting go. Her use of space was equally compelling; she traversed the stage with wide, sweeping motions that seemed to draw the audience in, creating an intimate connection even in a large, open-air setting. The moments when she would pause, take a deep breath, and look out into the crowd felt like an invitation for everyone to join her in the shared release of emotion.

The musical arrangement played a crucial role in shaping the performance's emotional landscape. A blend of traditional Korean instruments like the *janggu* (hourglass drum) and *gayageum* (zither) with modern electronic beats provided a rich, textured soundscape. The dynamic shifts in the music—moving from slow, contemplative rhythms to fast, pulsating beats—mirrored the journey of the choreography itself, guiding Kim’s transitions from moments of sorrowful reflection to unbridled joy.

In '흥|Joy,' Dahyun Kim offered a fresh, invigorating perspective on Korean culture, challenging the often one-dimensional view of it as reserved or melancholic. Her performance was a vivid expression of resilience and the ability to find exuberance even in the face of life's struggles. Kim’s deep connection to the cultural ethos she was representing was palpable, making the solo not just a personal expression but a broader commentary on the universal human experience of finding light after darkness.

For those fortunate enough to witness it at the Queensboro Dance Festival, '흥|Joy' was more than a dance—it was a powerful embodiment of the Korean spirit, a celebration of joy forged through the fire of hardship. Kim’s artistry, technical prowess, and emotional depth left a lasting impression, making this solo performance a standout moment of the festival.