Korean Thanksgiving: Music and Dance Stories Series

Join CBC Calgary at the Calgary Public Library this September for an immersive experience of Chuseok, or Korean Thanksgiving. The Korean Social Services Center will guide you through their traditional celebrations with music and dance - both Instrumental Stories and Stories in Motion will feature Korean artists.

Chuseok – Autumn Eve in Korean – a cherished Korean tradition, is a time for families to gather, share food and play games together. Celebrated for nearly two centuries, Chuseok offers a chance to reconnect with loved ones and honour those who have passed.

Our family-friendly events will showcase how the Korean community celebrates Thanksgiving. Enjoy performances, plus interactive activities, to gain a deeper understanding of Korean traditions.

Instrumental Stories: Kang’s Samullori (traditional Korean percussion)
Thursday, September 19 at the Calgary Central Library

Don’t miss Calgary's own Kang’s Samullori, a captivating traditional Korean percussion group performing live at the library. Known for their dynamic, vibrant and rhythmic drumming, a key element of Korean traditional music, their energetic beats will transport you to the heart of Korean tradition.

"Samulnori" was performed by farmers to ensure and celebrate a good harvest. The four instruments featured by the Kang's Sumullori team represent weather conditions. The kkwaenggwari (small gong) represents thunder, janggu (hourglass-shaped drum) as rain, jing (large gong) representing sounds of the wind, and buk (barrel drum) as clouds.

Kang’s Samullori team includes: Jeolsoon Kang, Su-Jeong Kim, In-Gyeong Kim, Jeong-Hee Lee, Grace Lee and Naomi.

Register now to secure your spot and immerse yourself in this unforgettable cultural experience.

Stories in Motion: Buchaechum Korean Fan Dance with Erica Jin
Sunday, September 22 at the Calgary Central Library

Join us for a mesmerizing Fan Dance workshop with Erica Jin, a celebrated performer known for her expertise in traditional Korean dance. Held at the library, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn the elegant movements and techniques of the Fan Dance, characterized by its vibrant fans and flowing costumes. The Fan Dance is a staple of Korean cultural expression, featuring graceful choreography that embodies the beauty and harmony of nature.

Under Erica Jin’s guidance, participants will explore the history and cultural significance of this dance while mastering its intricate steps. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, this workshop is designed to immerse you in the artistry of Korean dance.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a skilled artist and connect with Korean heritage. Register now to secure your spot in this captivating cultural experience.

About Korean Social Services Centre

KSSC was founded in 2021 to demolish barriers to equal and equitable access to social services, and to help make the lives of immigrants who are having difficulties settling in Canadian society more prosperous. Founded and led by Korean immigrants to Calgary with a background in social services, KSSC aims to fill a giant void in the Calgary Korean community's fragmented diaspora.

Since 2021, KSSC has provided settlement programs and external resources to help immigrants find information on health care, schools, housing, banking, employment, breaking barriers for immigrant women, and much more. These services are open to immigrants, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and visitors.

About the Stories Series

Brought to you by the Calgary Public Library and CBC Calgary, Instrumental Stories and Stories in Motion are free events, open to the public to celebrate the untold stories in Calgary’s culture scene.

Stories in Motion

CBC Calgary's Stories in Motion, in partnership with Calgary Public Library, offers free dance workshops celebrating global culture. This season, we're expanding our commitment to diverse stories through movement. Join us for a journey through Calgary's vibrant communities, curated by DANCE YYC.

Instrumental Stories

Instrumental Stories is a monthly program in partnership with the Calgary Public Library that opens up different worlds of music, featuring instruments with cultural significance.