Restless Dance Theatre in Seoul, South Korea
Restless Dance Theatres’ debut on the international stage is quickly approaching and the Gilles Street Rehearsal space was simultaneously full of movement, excitement and intense focus as everything was falling into place. The show will be presented in the New Seoul Hotel from the 3rd-6th of October as part of the Seoul Street Arts Festival. The collaboration with dancers from Korea has been vital in the production, and despite not being in the same country, rehearsal notes and performance videos have been exchanged to create a connection in the rehearsal process.
While the company is currently undertaking final dress rehearsals in Seoul, a week ago back in Adelaide the excitement was only just settling in. Costumes were being altered, pronunciation of ‘안녕하세요’ perfected and the last hours of rehearsal on home ground.
Discussing the upcoming trip and the cultural differences that the company may face
“I’m really looking forward to remounting the piece and getting it in a different hotel ”
Jo Curren, Assistant to the Director, talks about the anticipation of a new setting and new dancers to work with the company is an amazing opportunity. This idea of space is really fascinating when looking at cross-cultural arts practices, and taking a whole company into another cultural and spatial context. The dancers are also looking forward to performing on the international stage and to forge connections with their Korean peers.
“performing for new people, getting to know them, and to care for them, and to dance with new people” - Jianna Georgiou, Restless dancer
Jianna Georgiou and Alexis Luke rehearsing as Michelle Ryan and the rest of the company watch
For some of the company it is their first time abroad, Michael Noble emphatically declared that "I have never been outside of the country (Australia), before!", this was met by laughter and the story of how Michael is keen to connect with K-pop stars. While this trip is super important and likely stressful, spirits at Restless Dance Theatre remain positive and lively.
This first venture to Seoul signifies the start of something bigger for Restless Dance Theatre. Connect2Abilities is going to follow Restless’ story and share their time in Korea. The company's efforts further cement art as a universal language, through set, costume and movement as expression.