The Spot Light on Korea: R-16 World Championship

 

The World B-boy Masters Championships (R-16) is a series of competitions where world-class b-boy groups (selected by regional preliminaries overseas and national selection in Korea) compete for the title of the world best b-boy group. “R” in the official title comes from “Respect.” The 2014 R16 World Championships successfully completed their 8th global tournament on August 5 and 6 in Seoul, South Korea. With 25 national and regional eliminations around the world, and more than 300 artists, musicians, grassroots-content creators, promoters, producers, urban enthusiasts, hip-hop heads and b-boys from around the world convene in Korea, in an attempt to provide the proper inspiration necessary to push the movement forward. What started out as a world-championship-level b-boy tournament has now evolved into a massive annual festival, which seeks to encompass all aspects of urban youth cultures, as the festival draws visitors and spectators not only from Korea, but also from different regions of Asia and the world.

Besides the high production level and unique, concert-like atmosphere, what separates the R16 World Championships from all other events in the world is the scoring system and standards in which the B-Boy battle results are based upon. While all other events gather their results from the subjective opinions through a random variety of judges who each have their own mysterious methods, the R16 judging system (better known as O.U.R. System) ensures a fair and equal shot for every type of style and approach to breaking, while providing a whole new level of transparency and education, bridging the longtime missing gap between the judges, the B-Boys and the audience.

It was a great honor for me to be there and watch some incredible B boy’s competitions as a 3rd K-performance supporters. A massive event at Seoul Olympic park and K-Pop lovers at their peak to enjoy artistic competitions from the winners of different regions and to choose the best B boy, and the best team of the year 2014. R16 offers many prizes for the winner and runner up (1000 USD-3000USD), which is presented at the spot. The judges were former famous locking, popping and b-boys stars from USA, France, Korea, Japan and Germany for different categories. The gamblers from Korea won the crew battle after a tough competition with Predators from Russia. However the crew performance won by the predators. B-boy champion 2014 won by Issie of Japan for the consecutive 3^rd year, this time defeating lil-Zoo from Morocco. Here is a link for the amazing B-boy battle.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNzPm2ZpY1U&feature=youtu.be

※ Refer to the homepage to more information.

Programs

-July 5 (Sat) : Solo battle (B-boy, Popping, Locking) -July 6 (Sun) : B-boy performance, Crew battle, Hip-hop concert

Performance Times

18:00-22:00

Admission/Participation Fees

R seat 50,000 won / S seat 20,000 won Standing 20,000 won / A seat 10,000 won

Age Limit

Ages 12 and up

Transportation

[Subway] Olympic Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 3. [Bus] Green: 3214, 3220, 3412, 3413, 4313

Homepage

www.r16korea.com (Korean, English)

"NANTA" An exciting stage of Cooking without Comedy

….. !! Cookin" NANTA !! …..

"NANTA" a exciting stage of cooking without a dialogue, but through rhythmic banging of knives, pots and pans, NANTA (or Cookin’ as it was known in the States) tells the story of excellent crazy chefs, but unmanly HEAD CHEF,  a very sexy, masculine SEXY GUY, and the powerful, sassy, the only woman cook, HOT SAUCE! The three attractive, characteristic chefs start their day. Washing vegetable, carrying meat loafs, setting fire, cooks at NANTA kitchen is about to begin their busy job as always, then the ill-natured manager orders them to prepare wedding ceremony menus, along with his little nephew, in just an hour.

Source:  www.nanta.co.kr 

Source:  www.nanta.co.kr 

It was pleasant evening of on June 7 2014, I had a chance to enjoy the amazing Cookin' or Cookin' NANTA at chungjeongno therater. I have never seen anything quite unique like this before. The show is about the chefs who are told by their manager that they should prepare food for a wedding by 6pm. Time is short which makes them nervous and also, they have to teach cooking to the manager’s nephew which adds to their disappointment. They are not happy about the addition of the manager's nephew in their team. However, as time pass, the nephew becomes a vital part of the team. NANTA show is non verbal and people from all across the world can appreciate, understand and enjoy a good laugh and be thoroughly entertained from the beginning till end. Humorous scenes in the kitchen take place as they cook, clean, create music with wonderful beats using kitchen utensils and cutlery. The chefs engage the audience by inviting a few to the stage to help out. The audience is also encouraged to clap, cheer and follow comical instructions that actually gets the crowd involved and entertained.

Although I carried my camera with me, I didn't take any photos. The audience were requested not to take pictures and video, although I saw so many people taking photos, once the show started. When I took out my camera, my husband reminded me to abide by the organizer's request.  The photos I shared here are from the official website of the NANTA, this will  gave you an idea of what it was like. Thanks once again for Korea Tourism organisation for providing us a opportunity enjoy these moments and hoping to have these again.

Source:  www.nanta.co.kr

Source:  www.nanta.co.kr 

Performance Times

Gangbuk Jeongdong Nanta TheatreMonday-Sunday & Holidays: 17:00, 20:00 Myeongdong Nanta TheatreMonday-Sunday & Holidays: 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 Hongdae Nanta TheatreMonday-Sunday & Holidays: 17:00, 20:00 Jeju Nanta TheatreMonday-Thursday, Weekends & Holidays: 17:00, 20:00 (Closed on Fridays)

Admission/Participation Fees

VIP seat: 60,000 won S seat: 50,000 won A seat: 40,000 won

Duration of Performance

100min

Discount Information

* 20% discount for students * Group discount (over 20 people): Inquiries +82-2-739-8288 >> Click here for more details

Age Limit

Open to visitors ages 12 months and older

Ticket Reservations

Tel: +82-2-739-8288 or Homepage

Transportation

1) Gangbuk Jeongdong Nanta Theatre [Subway] Seodaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5. Walk 150m in the direction of Sejongno Juc. until you see the Kyunghyang Newspaper Building. 2) Myeongdong Nanta Theatre [Subway] Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 6. Go straight for 220m and turn left onto Myeongdong gil.  The theatre (Unesco Building) is 120m ahead on the right. OR Myeongdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 6. Go straight for 300m along Myeongdong 8 gil. Turn left in front of Woori Bank. The theatre is 100m ahead on the left. 3) Hongdae Nanta Theatre[Subway] Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 9. Go straight for 350m and turn left onto Yanghwa-ro 16-gil. Continue 120m until you see the Cultural Multiplex on the left. 4) Jeju Nanta Theatre From Jeju International Airport, take bus 200 or 300. Get off at Jeju Culture & Art Center. (문예회관; Munye Hoegwan) Walk 300m towards Sinsan Park. OR Take a taxi from Jeju International Airport to Jeju Media Center. (10-15min)

Homepage

www.nanta.co.kr  (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

"SACHOOM" A fantastic stage with story of lives !!

….. !! SACHOOM !! …..

"SACHOOM" a fantastic stage that creates energy in audience with music and dance. 

"SACHOOM" is a nonverbal dance musical that can be appreciated across the world due to various dance geres including hip-hop, jazz, break dancing and more, along with subtitling in Korean, Japaneses, Thai, Chinese and ofcourse in English as well for foreigners enjoyment. Stylish scenes create the backdrop for powerful choreography coming to life through talented performers. Sachoom overpowers the audience’s inhibitions and encourages to participate in the show with hearty cheers. After the musical, audience can spend time with the performers at the stage lobby.

Life in the body !!

It was Sunday June 8 2014, when i had an opportunity to watch the Sachoom along with my buddy. SACHOOM was production of DOBECOM started in 2008 from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Located in the heart of Seoul, with fully facilitated by all the amenities including a big waiting hall, coffee and cold drink corner. Inside theater was fully decorated with wonderful seat arrangements facing a giant stage. The music, lightening and sound is perfect.

SACHOOM is story of 3 ambitious  friends growing up together, the different phase of life which they experience. It was something most of the audience could relate to. I appreciate the DOBECOM for their unique production and source of entertainment. The language that the performers use is the universal language, dance.

<Life in the body>
Witty physical expressions of birth combined with brilliant visual images.

<Lantern Dance>
Precise timing creates a flying lantern experience.

<Sensuality and Temptation>
Puts the audience into breathless intensity.

<HERO>
Makes the audience identify with the heroic characters with themselves,
swinging arms in the air.

<Contest>
Talent and technique is shown in the highlight of the show.

<Lets dance>
After the conflict is solved, the vibrant music and dancing makes the audience stand up
and jive to the music.

A great side of performance was interaction with audience, that bought the crowd to its feet by the end. Everyone was called to dance along. That's the biggest point of Sachoom's Dance Musical. Photography was also allowed throughout the performance so we was able to capture some moments. Overall Sachoom was a unique and great performance thanks to KTO for providing us such a moments to refreshes the hard life. 

Directions: Sachoom Theater (4F, Nakwonsanga building in Insa-dong)

Performance Times

- Sunday-Friday 20:00 - Saturday 16:00, 19:30 - Sunday & National Holidays 16:00

Transportation

[Subway] Jongno 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 5. Walk 1 minute towards Nakwonsanga Building. Sachoom Theater is located on the 4th floor of the building. [Bus] (bound for Jongno 3-ga) Red: 9401, 9402, 9405, 9411 Blue: 100, 143, 160, 161, 200, 201, 262 Green: 1016

Ticket Reservations

Korea DMC: www.koreadmc.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Interpark: http://ticket.interpark.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) (* Interpark +82-1544-1555)

"KABOOM" A fusion of past in presnt

….. !! KABOOM !! …..

!1 KABOOM !!

"KABOOM" A fusion of past in present 

 "KABOOM  케쎄라쎄라"  is a surprising performance along with creativity of "KOLLEEN PARK", who not only provide a single platform of entertainment but also bring the past with present. The show was designed for entertainment in four categories:

Va Va Voom - "Female trio that touches the soul, fusion Korean classical music"

Morning of Owl - "World's number 1 B-boy team"

Magic Trunk - "Storytelling magic show"

PID (Performance in the Darkness) - "You can't take your eyes off it, black light laser performance!"

It was Saturday, June 7 2014, when i had opportunity to watch the KABOOM along with my best buddy. Thanks for Korea Tourism organization for providing us a remarkable opportunity to enjoy the artistic performance with fusion of Korean traditional music.  

"Va Va Voom"

Va Va Voom accompanying with the recorded K-pop instrumentals giving a astonishing performance on traditional zithers and drums, switching instruments, playing to the crowd and performing well. The performance and great source of recreation for traditional music lovers with modern beat.

Kaboom was not only music but also about the dance. Morning of Owl offered some impressive b-boy skills comprises with their specific break dance that was occasionally combined with traditional tunes. They are a talented potential professional mixing the Korean traditional beats and music with the frenzied spins, kicks and body pops. 

"Magic Trunk"

Magic Trunk managed to combine a simple tragic story with some old tricks done well. Nothing new or original for magic fans, but they pulled off each trick with panache and it's always great to see quick changes and other flashy routines done with style.

PID were the showstoppers. An exciting team of night offering different dance sequences but no doubt they stolen the show with their fabulous performance, sparkling choreography and amazing creativity with use of technology. Their last but not least sequence of dancing was introducing the robotic movement into the house. I recommend PID was alone the worth of ticket price (Although I enjoyed it free).  

Performance in darkness

Kaboom located at Jongo-3-ga station of subway line 1,3 & 5 along with a nice set, nicely facilitated with comfortable sound and comfortable sitting facilities according to the demand of the enjoying the thrills of music.

The real story of the show was acting different by doing their own created things and its worth taking. As Kaboom pamphlet proclaims "Forget about stories. Enjoy pure pleasure beyond your imagination" and there were indeed moments of pure pleasure in my evening, though I do wish it had been a more cohesive sequence of acts and not just a series of unrelated incidents. Thanks to KTO for making a memorable movements.

For remaining update:

http://www.showkaboom.com/