Kim Mae-ja, who founded the ChangMu Dance Company in 1976, is considered a key figure in Korean creative dance. She is known for her creative works that successfully blended traditional dance with modern touches. In her bold artistic experiment, she took off her socks and came on stage barefoot. That was in the 1970s. Her philosophy indicates that every movement found in daily life can comprise a dance language and that artists should be able to express their time and society as well.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the dance company, it is holding the ChangMu Grand Dance Festival until the end of this year. The 70-something Kim will hit the stage herself to contribute to another take-off for Korean creative dance. The veteran dancer’s great enthusiasm and never-ending pursuit of art are breathing new life into the Korean dance scene.