Bowing is a social gesture that we engage in our daily lives. What does bow mean to you?  

The bow, the traditional greeting in Asia, is a symbol of manners and etiquette. However, bowing sometimes causes misunderstandings. 

Bow asks if the simple act of lowering the torso is really enough to show respect.. The Jeon Misook Dance Company introduces the beauty of Asia and etiquette through the bow as the greeting most often used in everyday life and captures the beauty of empty space with a modern twist. This work is designed to explore the meaning of bowing in society and ask questions about it. The relationship between the one who gives a bow and the one who receives it is vertical rather than horizontal. In both public and private relationships, bowing defines and confirms the relationship between the one who gives the bow and the one who receives it. 

If the relationship between the two is not maintained, bowing becomes a compulsory act conducted for the sake of social order, regardless of the sincerity behind it. This work questions the sincerity of bowing, to which society has given its tacit consent as an act of courtesy. 

Can you tell us about your journey as a choreographer and what led you to start your own company?

I had been performing with the Contemporary Dance Company ‘TAM’ since 1981 as a performing senior choreographer and had worked on several choreographs and solo projects. In 1998, I was focused on professional artistic education at the Korean National University of Arts, producing acclaimed dancers, and ‘Jeon Misook Dance Company’ began as a project during this time. 

How would you describe the contemporary dance scene in South Korea, and what are some of your aspirations as a company?

Korean contemporary dance scene began in the 60s primarily at the Ewha Womans University, and has shown rapid development with active scenes centred on university alumni groups. 

Over the past 60 years, it has achieved global competitiveness through overseas exchanges and cooperation with various channels, and works that cross boundaries are being actively carried out by independent choreographers. 

Jeon Misook Dance Company has been exploring the way of choreography while contemplating the role of dance in contemporary art. Our emphasis is on the development of physical bodily movement which is the very essence and nature of dance. We hope to present high-quality dance performances that capture the value and delicacy of contemporary art to as many people as possible. 

In your opinion, what does dance, as an art form, communicate?

Contemporary dance, and art as an extension, is an inquiry into the ways in which various issues in life should be expressed: the passage of time, culture, and transformation. 

We strive for an expansion of dance that involves and includes the mind, and thinking, not just the physical aspects, techniques. 

The company is presenting BOW at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada, can you tell us why you were interested in exploring the theme of bowing?

For a long time, I have contemplated the role of contemporary dance, and I have always wanted to have new, different, and experimental ideas to be embedded into choreography.

Then, I started to ponder the idea of contemporary dance that would just be enjoyable to watch. 

Focusing on the visual aspects, I started to think differently about everyday gestures, and that led to an interest in how greetings, would look to foreigners. 

Through this work, I wanted to bring the special aesthetics of Korean culture - notably the beauty of colours, and appreciation of the void, alongside thoughts behind the various forms of greetings. The uniqueness and tradition of Korean culture can be enjoyed in the canvas of contemporary dance. 

Is the tradition of bowing still important in modern culture in South Korea?

I don't know how much weight it will have for future generations amidst rapidly changing trends. Nevertheless, I believe that right now, bowing innately conveys our respect for the other person. Whether we may recognize it or not, bowing has a Korean emotion of attachment that flows through the relationship which is precious and special. 

Can you tell us about your creative process for BOW. How did you approach developing the movement for the dancers, and what would you say the dancers bring to the choreography?

The first step in the creative process was looking at the different gestures of greetings that would depend on who you are interacting with, such as in the company of higher-ups, and what truths and falsehoods are contained in those gestures and greetings. Reactive greetings in consequence to someone else’s greeting like raising a toast, for example. 

Dancers have a huge influence on my work. Contemporary dance is not just about the technical skills, but of the time and depth of each dancer’s lives incorporated in the whole work. 

What do you wish the audience will take away from this performance?

I would like for the audience to enjoy the aesthetic uniqueness of Korean culture, the beauty of lighting, music, costumes, props, and of the void. But I hope that the audience will interpret the various messages contained in the different forms of greeting in their own individual and personal ways.