Korean Cultural Center graduates 29 K-Pop dancers amidst pageantry

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN) of the embassy of the Republic of Korea at the weekend, held an elaborate cultural and musical ceremony to mark the graduation of twenty nine (29) Korean Popular music (K-POP) dancers from the Embassy’s K-Pop Dance Academy in Abuja.

The twenty nine K-Pop dancers  who were graduated after six weeks learning course, comprised of nine K-Pop students who graduated in the beginners class, as well as twenty students who graduated in the intermediate class.

Addressing the graduates at the event, the Director of KCCN, Lee Jin Su, who was represented, urged the students not to relent but to keep faith in what they have learnt through consistent practice and exposure to K-Pop dance and music.

A statement issued by the Director of KCCN said the K-Pop Dance Academy session commenced from June 10 2019 and ended on July 18, 2019, adding that the KCCN invited two K-Pop dance instructors from Korea who took the dance academy classes from Mondays  every week for six months.

According to the release, the dance academy session was handled by two Korean instructors, including: Park Yong Hyum known as T.Dragon and Kang Ji Won, also known as T.Eli.

In addition to grooming the Nigerian K-Pop dancers, the statement said the two Korean K-Pop teachers also held a 2-day dance training session at the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos.

While pointing out that the programme is geared towards promoting cultural exchange between South Korea and Nigeria, the KCCN Director noted that the registration and participation in the dance academy were completely free.

Meanwhile, perfect attendance awards were given to two beginners students and twelve intermediate students, while excellent awards were given to two beginners and two intermediate students.

Speaking to journalists after the graduation ceremony, one of the graduates, Rossmary Onunkwo commended the KCCN for the training, saying it has exposed them to dance steps different from that of normal African culture.

Also, another student, Bavoshia Silas-Bossan, said such dance academy will provide an opportunity for Nigerians who are gifted in dance and music to explore and maximize their potentials and become self-reliant.

Highpoint of the ceremony was singing of popular K-Pop tune and offering of various gift items by the instructors to the graduating students of the K-Pop dance academy.