In the space of less than two hours, 15 amazing dance performances demonstrated to the audience how traditional Korean arts can be so dynamic and inspiring. ¡°Sounds & Dance of Korea 2009¡± at the Kennedy Center on April 26 treated the audience to the beautifully colorful traditional clothing (hanbok) and the powerful sounds of traditional instruments native to Korea.

"The overall composition of the performance is based on traditional Korean lines, colors, and rhythms, recreated to reflect the modern global era," said Soon-he So, AAAC president and vice-president of the Greater Washington Area Dancer¡¯s Association.

Among the approximately 400 diverse guests were the Republic of Korea's newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Han Duk-soo, and his wife. The concert was organized by the Asian American Arts Center (AAAC) with support from the Korean Embassy¡¯s Culture and Information Service: KORUS House.

The performances began with an elegant Korean Fan Dance, Sword Dance, and the magnificent Mi-ryang Drum Dance. A special treat for non-Koreans in the audience was the eye-catching 12-meter Hat Ribbon Dance, in which the performer plays an instrument while also spinning a long stem attached to the headpiece, with a flowing ribbon on the end. With the beginning of Poong-Mul Nori, a traditional farme's ensemble of percussion similar to Samulnori, everyone seemed overwhelmed by the harmony of the gong, janggu (double-headed drum), and barrel drums made.

The emotional rendition of Russian folk song One Million Roses, or "Million Alyh Roz," featured Soon He So. Chil-Gap Mountain, a crossover between the Korean traditional melody and the modern rhythms, helped refresh traditional music in the modern era.

Edward Forgacs of George Washington University praised the concert, describing it as a wonderful and exotic experience. "I was captivated by the fancy dances and cheerful tunes of Korea," Forgacs said. He also emphasized that he hopes to participate again in other cultural events in the future.