Korean Dance Recital

During our time in Korea Justine, Kyara, Matteya and Arial have continued one their favourite activities, dance.  Early in our time here in Suwon Rosanne found a Dance Academy, or Hokwan, for the girls to dance at.  

The girls are the only North American students at this dance studio and most of the instruction is given in Korean - although many of the ballet positions are referred to in French - so early in their lessons they were able to have some understanding as to what to do.  The girls have enjoyed their time at dance and have been able to meet other girls their age and learn more about Korean culture.

This past week the girls participated in their second dance recital in Suwon.  Prior to this, while still in Canada, all 4 girls had the chance to be involved with dance recitals through their dance studio in Port Colborne, Dance Expressions, however, a dance recital in Korean was a little different.

For the past 3 weeks Justine and Kyara have had extra dance lessons - they would go for their normal lesson and then go on two additional nights for 2 hours.  Often they would come home very late and it was a struggle for them to get their homework done - but they persevered.  The reason for this?  At the end of January and through February the Korean school system slows down -having many holidays - in fact it ends around the time of Lunar Holiday and a new school year starts in March.  So many of the students have time to go to extra practices and extra lessons.  However, the Wendling girls still had to muddle through their studies.

Next, the girls were fitted for costumes.  I don't know how much they cost - Rosanne never really told Kevin - so I suspect it cost a lot of money.  (In fact I really don't want to know, writes Kevin).  The costumes though were quite beautiful having many different colours and containing many, many, many sequins.

Finally, a week before the recital the girls had dress rehearsal.  A time for the teacher to have the students get used to the stage, see the dressing rooms and have a chance to get use to the lighting, sound and overall space.  Again, the girls were bussed to the rehearsal and from what was said, all went well.

Then the night of the big show!!  Again, the girls needed to have more last minute rehearsal time as they spent the entire day at the theatre preparing, eating oranges and kim-bop (which is a Korean snack) and drinking water.  For the Wendling girls it also meant time listening to I-Pods and reading books.  (As well as having many young Korean girls coming up to practice their English.)

Part of getting ready was doing the hair and make up.  In fact, Rosanne learned early on from the girls that she had better do their hair.  Of no fault of the Korean moms who helped at the recital, the girls found that mom did a better job - and in fact had a little more experience in getting hair ready for dance recitals.  

However, make-up was a different story.  As you can see from the pictures the make-up used by ballet dancers in Korea is quite elaborate and colourful.  As well, it is hard to believe that girls as young as 4 or 5 would be forced to wear eye lashes.  Oh well, live and learn.

Finally, with mom and dad and a number of teachers from the school in the audience, (who we thank for joining us despite the incredibly hot balcony), the recital had begun.  All the girls were involved with at least two performances and they truly did an outstanding job!!  In particular, the modern dance number involving Justine and Kyara was simply breath taking.  

Yet, on a night such as this it reminds that we are a long way from home and that Grandmas and Grandpas as well as Aunts, Uncles and Cousins could not be here in Korea to enjoy the show.  No matter, that's what blogs are for and video tape that can be showed during the summer.

In all, the experience for Justine, Kyara, Matteya and Ariel to dance while living over seas has been amazing and an experience that has taught them about Korean culture.  As well they have learned that the Arts and Music transcends both language and borders.  I guess it is another lesson that was not anticipated, but has been learned here in the land of the morning calm.