Dance Planner (DP): Hello Chaeyoon, thank you for joining us today. Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Chaeyoon Lim.
I’m a contemporary dance major from Ewha Womans University.
I’m currently preparing to join an international dance company and actively exploring opportunities to gain experience abroad.
The Beginning
Dance Planner (DP): What made you decide to participate in the Asia Dance Audition (ADA)?
I was looking for overseas audition opportunities, but in Korea, chances to directly connect with international dance companies are quite limited.
ADA stood out to me because it provides access to multiple companies within Korea, which made the process much more accessible.
Also, since I had no prior audition experience, being able to take part in this kind of opportunity in a familiar environment felt less overwhelming and more realistic as a first step.
In the Moment of Audition
Dance Planner (DP): How did you feel when you were selected?
I was truly happy.
Among the companies I encountered through ADA, I felt the strongest connection to Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon, so being selected meant a lot to me both emotionally and professionally.
Dance Planner (DP): What was unique about auditioning in front of multiple artistic directors?
Normally, when preparing for different auditions, I would spend a lot of time trying to understand each company’s style and adjust myself accordingly.
However, at ADA, since multiple directors were evaluating dancers at the same time, I was able to focus less on fitting into a specific style and more on understanding what kind of dancer I am and what strengths I naturally have.
It became a process of self-awareness rather than adaptation, which felt very meaningful.
Creating Together — Avignon Rehearsal
Dance Planner (DP): How did you prepare for the audition?
I focused on improving my ballet technique and increasing the speed at which I could learn choreography.
Since many international companies begin their day with ballet class, I felt it was important to continuously train in ballet alongside my contemporary background.
Also, because the audition process involves learning movement quickly and presenting it immediately, I practiced reacting faster and becoming more confident in picking up choreography on the spot.
Dance Planner (DP): What is the significance of ADA combining competition and auditions?
I think it provides dancers with multiple opportunities while reducing the overall pressure.
Instead of preparing separately for competitions and auditions, dancers can experience both in one platform, which makes the process more efficient and accessible.
For dancers who are considering an international career, it can be a very meaningful starting point.
Dance Planner (DP): When did you visit the company, and what was your first impression?
I visited from January 20 to 31, 2026.
The atmosphere was very positive and collaborative, and I could feel a strong sense of unity among the dancers.
At the time, the company was preparing three different works simultaneously, yet everything was organized in a very structured and efficient way, which left a strong impression on me.
Getting started
Where the Journey Begins
Dance Planner (DP): What differences did you notice?
The biggest difference I felt was between school training and company life.
In the company, classes were adjusted based on the repertoire being prepared at that time.
For example, when more dynamic or physically demanding works were coming up, the class would focus more on quick footwork, large jumps, and fast weight shifts.
It felt much more practical and directly connected to performance, with training designed to support the immediate needs of the dancers.
Back to Basics
Back to the Basics — Class in Avignon
Dance Planner (DP): Did you gain any inspiration?
Yes.
I was especially inspired by how each movement carried a clear intention.
The choreographer worked closely with the dancers, building movement based on the meaning of each lyric in the music.
It was a very detailed and time-consuming process, but it made the final result feel much more authentic and emotionally powerful.
Dance Planner (DP): Was there a memorable moment?
There was a moment during the creative process when some dancers became emotional and even cried while listening to the music.
It showed how deeply they were immersed in the work, and I could feel the level of sincerity and connection within the process.
I remember thinking that if I saw this piece on stage as an audience member, it would be incredibly moving.
Dance Planner (DP): Did this experience change your perspective?
Yes.
While preparing for auditions, I sometimes questioned whether this path was right for me.
However, being in the company environment, even for a short period, reminded me why I started dancing in the first place.
It also helped me gain a clearer vision of the kind of dancer I want to become in the future.
Dance Planner (DP): What are your strengths as a dancer?
Coming from a training system that emphasizes strong fundamentals, I feel that my movement is clean and well organized.
Although I may not yet have a very distinct personal style, I see that as a potential strength, as it allows me to adapt to different choreographers and styles more easily.
During the rehearsal
Beyond the Studio
Dance Planner (DP): How did you handle language and cultural differences?
At first, the language barrier was challenging, and everything felt unfamiliar.
However, the dancers were very welcoming, and I made an effort to connect with them as much as possible.
Even without perfect communication, we were able to understand each other through movement and shared experiences.
Spending time together both in and outside the studio helped me gradually adapt to the environment.
Beyond the Studio — Avignon
A Turning Point
Dance Planner (DP): How will this experience influence your future career?
This experience made me more certain about pursuing a career in a dance company.
By observing and experiencing the company environment directly, I was able to better understand what kind of qualities are required as a professional dancer and what I still need to develop moving forward.
Dance Planner (DP): Lastly, what would you like to say to dancers considering ADA?
I think it is a great opportunity to experience international dance opportunities in Korea.
Since working abroad can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating, this kind of experience allows you to explore that path in a more accessible way and decide whether it truly suits you.
And most importantly,
if you truly love dance, I believe you can dance anywhere in the world.
DP: Your journey is truly inspiring.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
We can’t wait to see where your path leads next.
Dance Planner (DP): Hello Chaeyoon, thank you for joining us today. Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Chaeyoon Lim.
I’m a contemporary dance major from Ewha Womans University.
I’m currently preparing to join an international dance company and actively exploring opportunities to gain experience abroad.
Dance Planner (DP): What made you decide to participate in the Asia Dance Audition (ADA)?
I was looking for overseas audition opportunities, but in Korea, chances to directly connect with international dance companies are quite limited.
ADA stood out to me because it provides access to multiple companies within Korea, which made the process much more accessible.
Also, since I had no prior audition experience, being able to take part in this kind of opportunity in a familiar environment felt less overwhelming and more realistic as a first step.
In the Moment of Audition
Dance Planner (DP): How did you feel when you were selected?
I was truly happy.
Among the companies I encountered through ADA, I felt the strongest connection to Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon, so being selected meant a lot to me both emotionally and professionally.
Dance Planner (DP): What was unique about auditioning in front of multiple artistic directors?
Normally, when preparing for different auditions, I would spend a lot of time trying to understand each company’s style and adjust myself accordingly.
However, at ADA, since multiple directors were evaluating dancers at the same time, I was able to focus less on fitting into a specific style and more on understanding what kind of dancer I am and what strengths I naturally have.
It became a process of self-awareness rather than adaptation, which felt very meaningful.
Creating Together — Avignon Rehearsal
Dance Planner (DP): How did you prepare for the audition?
I focused on improving my ballet technique and increasing the speed at which I could learn choreography.
Since many international companies begin their day with ballet class, I felt it was important to continuously train in ballet alongside my contemporary background.
Also, because the audition process involves learning movement quickly and presenting it immediately, I practiced reacting faster and becoming more confident in picking up choreography on the spot.
Dance Planner (DP): What is the significance of ADA combining competition and auditions?
I think it provides dancers with multiple opportunities while reducing the overall pressure.
Instead of preparing separately for competitions and auditions, dancers can experience both in one platform, which makes the process more efficient and accessible.
For dancers who are considering an international career, it can be a very meaningful starting point.
Dance Planner (DP): When did you visit the company, and what was your first impression?
I visited from January 20 to 31, 2026.
The atmosphere was very positive and collaborative, and I could feel a strong sense of unity among the dancers.
At the time, the company was preparing three different works simultaneously, yet everything was organized in a very structured and efficient way, which left a strong impression on me.
Where the Journey Begins
Dance Planner (DP): What differences did you notice?
The biggest difference I felt was between school training and company life.
In the company, classes were adjusted based on the repertoire being prepared at that time.
For example, when more dynamic or physically demanding works were coming up, the class would focus more on quick footwork, large jumps, and fast weight shifts.
It felt much more practical and directly connected to performance, with training designed to support the immediate needs of the dancers.
Back to the Basics — Class in Avignon
Dance Planner (DP): Did you gain any inspiration?
Yes.
I was especially inspired by how each movement carried a clear intention.
The choreographer worked closely with the dancers, building movement based on the meaning of each lyric in the music.
It was a very detailed and time-consuming process, but it made the final result feel much more authentic and emotionally powerful.
Dance Planner (DP): Was there a memorable moment?
There was a moment during the creative process when some dancers became emotional and even cried while listening to the music.
It showed how deeply they were immersed in the work, and I could feel the level of sincerity and connection within the process.
I remember thinking that if I saw this piece on stage as an audience member, it would be incredibly moving.
Dance Planner (DP): Did this experience change your perspective?
Yes.
While preparing for auditions, I sometimes questioned whether this path was right for me.
However, being in the company environment, even for a short period, reminded me why I started dancing in the first place.
It also helped me gain a clearer vision of the kind of dancer I want to become in the future.
Dance Planner (DP): What are your strengths as a dancer?
Coming from a training system that emphasizes strong fundamentals, I feel that my movement is clean and well organized.
Although I may not yet have a very distinct personal style, I see that as a potential strength, as it allows me to adapt to different choreographers and styles more easily.
During the rehearsal
Dance Planner (DP): How did you handle language and cultural differences?
At first, the language barrier was challenging, and everything felt unfamiliar.
However, the dancers were very welcoming, and I made an effort to connect with them as much as possible.
Even without perfect communication, we were able to understand each other through movement and shared experiences.
Spending time together both in and outside the studio helped me gradually adapt to the environment.
Beyond the Studio — Avignon
Dance Planner (DP): How will this experience influence your future career?
This experience made me more certain about pursuing a career in a dance company.
By observing and experiencing the company environment directly, I was able to better understand what kind of qualities are required as a professional dancer and what I still need to develop moving forward.
Dance Planner (DP): Lastly, what would you like to say to dancers considering ADA?
I think it is a great opportunity to experience international dance opportunities in Korea.
Since working abroad can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating, this kind of experience allows you to explore that path in a more accessible way and decide whether it truly suits you.
And most importantly,
if you truly love dance, I believe you can dance anywhere in the world.
DP: Your journey is truly inspiring.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
We can’t wait to see where your path leads next.