Nigeria, Korea deepen relationship through dance culture

The Grand finale of the Korean-Pop Dance Competition was held last weekend at the University of Lagos. In its eighth editions, the dance contest, which is organised yearly by the Korean Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria, aims to promote understanding and strengthening bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Korea through cultural exchange programmes and activities.

This year, a total of 10 out of 37 groups that entered for the contest made it to the final. Emerging from states across the country were, Jay Race from Jos, Rich company from Kano, Octopus Dance Zone from Port Harcourt, S.O.C from Sokoto, Yebo Dance Nation from Lagos, D’Generals from Port Harcourt D’Brainy from Port Harcourt, Dance X Int’l from Calabar, Elite Dance Crew from Lagos and Isaiah 54 from Kastina.

In preparation for the grand finale, two K-Pop dance instructors were invited from Korea. They held a two-day dance training sessions at the studio of Creative Art Department, University of Lagos. Also sharing their knowledge of music and dance as well as learning from Nigerian dancers and instructors.

In his congratulatory message, Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Lee In-tea, stated that K-Pop has helped strengthen the mutual relationship between both countries.

According to him, K-Pop has expanded beyond the borders of Korea, adding it has become a global cultural trend enjoyed by a large number of people around the world on diverse digital platforms. Concerning the development of Nigerian cultures, Lee stated that Nigeria could experience boom if given required commitment from all stakeholders.

“It surely can generate tremendous employment opportunities and create wealth for Nigeria’s teeming populace. I’m happy that the K-pop competition in Nigeria is providing such platform to promote creativity and entertainment, thereby, enabling Nigerian youths to showcase their talents, improve their skills and prepare further challenges and successes,” he said.

At the end of the competition, which lasted almost three hours, the Octopus Dance Zone team emerged winners, and received the star prize of N500,000 while the first and second runners-up got cash prize of N300, 000 and N200, 000. Also wining crewmembers received gift prizes from LG, the XBOOM speakers.