Abstract:

In Korean, heung refers to a state of excitement that is beyond description in words. This sensation, which is said to flow in the blood of Koreans since ancient times, is now being unleashed through new forms of performing arts, such as the nonverbal performance groups ¡°Cookin¡¯¡± and ¡°Jump,¡± as well as the unbelievable productions that star Korea¡¯s world-leading B-boys, like ¡°Spin Odyssey.¡± Of note, the film shows how the pulsating rhythms of these contemporary performances are rooted in Korea¡¯s traveling troupes of entertainers of long ago, Namsadangpae, and the traditional percussion music of Samulnori.