Deep Breath, Echoes from the Abyss

Donna (Seong Ah) Kim

Summary
Final work

Donna Kim is a movement artist who delves into the essence of her being through the language of dance. As a choreographer deeply rooted in Korean traditional dance, she perceives tradition not as a static relic but as a dynamic, evolving force. Her artistry is a passionate journey of exploration and self-discovery, forging profound connections with audiences worldwide through the universal expression of movement.

From her performances in dance films to her appearances in commercials, she has worked with various artists, serving as a main dancer, choreographer, and model. Her career highlights include a project at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, participation in The Resolution festival (London), London Design Festival and appearances on Nowness Asia.

Donna Kim is a movement artist who delves into the essence of her being through the language of d...

CollegeCentral Saint Martins
CourseMA Performance: Design and Practice
Graduation year2024

'Deep Breath' is a contemporary dance performance that reinterprets the life of Korean sea women, known as 'Haenyeo', through the lens of human breath. Inspired by their daily struggle for survival, where every breath is precious yet often sacrificed, the performance captures the essence of their deep journey. The profound breaths of the 'Haenyeo', filled with the trials of their existence, resonate deeply within the performance.

The concept of 'Breath' in Korean traditional dance symbolises the harmony between body and mind, serving as a means to express our inner selves. This power of breath fosters understanding and empathy across cultures, crucial in today's globalised society for respecting diversity through shared experiences.

'Deep Breath' combines choreography, projection, light, and sound to immerse the audience in the graceful movements of the 'Haenyeo' and the depths of the sea, evoking reflection and resonance through the fusion of human breath and oceanic sounds. In 'Deep Breath', I aim to unite people in the depth of life's moments through movement, fostering connection and resonance.

'Deep Breath' is a finalised version of previous performances 'Beyond the Breath' and 'Breathscape'.