Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater is gearing up to stage its latest production, “Sin-Si, The Festival of the Sun,” a ballet combining the art of traditional Korean dance.

Depicting the motif of the Dangun Mythology through dance, the upcoming performance tells the 7,000-year-old tale of Hwanung, the son of heaven, who descended to Earth to guide the Ung (bear) tribe and Ho (tiger) tribe. The two tribes had long been at war, fighting against each other in an effort to establish Sin-Si -- a new city of coexistence in hopes of ushering in a new world of peace. 

“This show combines the western art of ballet and the traditional art of our eastern style of dance,” said Korean National Ballet ballerina Kim Joo-won, taking on the role of ungnyeo, the bear which became a woman in the Dangun Mythology, during a press rehearsal held at the Sejong Center in Seoul on Monday.

“I think the two styles of dance have a very similar mental wavelengths and think the fusing of these two dance movements is a great artistic combination,” she added.

The grand modern meets traditional ballet “Sin-Si” also features choreography by Kook Su-ho, one of the country’s most accomplished masters of historical dance.

“'Sin-Si' is an old tale. However it is a classic and a legendary tale, one that is steeped in folklore,” said choreographer Kook during the press rehearsal. 

“The generational lessons of ’Sin-Si‘ still exists in today’s society... it touches upon figuring out what out how our lives will unfold in the future and the paths we choose,” the choreographer added. “The reasons why I have chosen to return and take part in production again is because I feel as though it’s my mission as a choreographer.”

Alongside Kim Joo-won, “Sin-Si, The Festival of the Sun” will also star dancers Lee Jeong-yoon, Yoon Jeon-il, Shin Dong-yeop, Kim Kyeong-ae and Choi Tae-hyun.

The dance production will be staged at the Sejong Center’s Grand Theater for two days only on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)