The sleek Art Deco jewel of the Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs once showed films set in exotic locales, but on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m., the restored space is hosting three troupes of dancers embracing techniques borne of distant places and times.
Yangju, Henrico's South Korean sister city, is sending the Beodeulsori troupe for an afternoon of music and folk dance that also includes the Latin Ballet of Virginia and the teen dancers of the Crossroads Irish Dance Troupe.
According to the Korean group's international coordinator, Taeksoon Song, "beodeulsori" means willow tree. The willow that grows near streams, wells and fountains is a life-force symbol, and willow trees growing behind a home signified fertility. Song says, "We, like a willow tree, hope to renew the creative fertility of our culture and to provide the sturdy life force through Korean traditional performances."
The 10-member group is composed of university teachers and students who want to learn, revive and interpret Korean traditional performance in a contemporary setting.
The program is free, but reservations are suggested. For more information, call 501-5138 or visit co.henrico.va.us.
