Joseon-era street dance gets a hip makeover

The dancers begin with the familiar rhythms and movements of Korean mask dance, swaying their shoulders in the playful spirit of traditional talchum.

They bow low, toss their heads and stare into the distance.

The eyes behind the masks are never seen, yet their invisible gaze feels all the more penetrating.

Then the atmosphere shifts.

As the pounding beat of the geomungo, a traditional Korean zither, blends with electronic dance music, the dancers reappear wearing LED masks.

With each sharp turn ...