In 1953 was signed the Panmunjom armistice, putting an end to a fratricidal conflict that made over 3 millions victims, civil and military, and led to the partition of Korean peninsula in two distinct states where everything seems to be opposed. And the less you can say is that for 65 years, relationships between the two states of « Morning Calm » country have been agitated, going from high tensions (most of the time) to cooling down gestures (sometimes). About North Korea, we know most of all its leader, its race to get the atom and its ballistics test. But what about art, culture and dance in this country ? 

The Internet is full of videos coming from the North : images of gigantic ballet praising the regime performed in a stadium where «pixel children» turn the stands into screens reproducing an outdated iconography, images of traditional songs common to both countries, cheerleaders at the Olympics, but also music videos inspired by the famous K-pop that has become a trademark of South Korea. It is from that material that Eun-Me Ahn starts to give a glimpse on North Korean dance, making these extremely codified forms in her own way, to explore the differences and similarities with South Korean dance. 

With North Koreans, we share the same roots, the same traditions, but because of History and the partition of Korea, dance has evolved very differently on each side of the border. When I watched these video, I was struck by how much the body is constrainted : everything is perfect, precise and dancers look like robots. 

Of course, the differences are obvious, but what are our similarities? 

On what ground can we meet each other ? 

For a long time, North Korea has been presented as an enemy, but relationships between the two countries have recently improved. I then realized I almost didn’t know anything about North Korea and the dance they do over there. First because it was forbidden to have an interest in it, but also probably because unconsciously, I didn’t allow myself to do so.