Grand Prize of 120 Million Won for Dance Competition Teams, Opening on September 24
The Cheonan Cultural Foundation (CEO Ahn Dong-soon) is inviting dancers from across the nation to the exciting 'Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival 2025,' Korea's representative dance festival, by recruiting teams for its spectacular dance competition. Held for five days from September 24 to 28 at the Cheonan Sports Complex and throughout Cheonan City, this year's festival aims for communication and harmony through dance, promising an unforgettable experience for both visitors and participants with the largest ever prize money and even more diverse programs.

 
Korea's Representative Dance Festival: Its History and Status

The Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival has firmly established itself as Korea's leading festival, going beyond a mere regional event to deliver deep emotion and joy to domestic and international visitors through the universal language of dance. Since its first inception in 2003, it has continuously evolved each year, boasting a wide spectrum that encompasses traditional dance, contemporary dance, and folk dances from around the world. Especially fitting its name 'Heungtaryeong' (meaning "song of joy"), it creates an exciting atmosphere where everyone can enjoy dancing and mingle together, making it an open festival that people of all ages can participate in and enjoy. Numerous tourists visit Cheonan during the festival period, significantly contributing to regional economic revitalization, and its international standing is also rising. In 2023, over 1.4 million visitors attended, setting a successful model for regional festivals.

 
Total of 9 Categories, 128 Million Won in Prizes! The Blossom of Dance Competitions

The highlight of the 'Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival 2025' is undoubtedly its dance competition. Teams are being recruited for a total of nine categories, and fierce competition is expected among talented dancers and groups from across the nation. Notably, the total prize money amounts to 128 million won, which is expected to provide even greater motivation for participants.

The main recruitment categories are as follows:

National Dance Competition: This is the largest competition with the biggest prizes, divided into General, Youth, and Heungtaryeong categories to allow various age groups to be the stars of the stage. High-level dance skills tailored to each category can be showcased, and with a total prize pool of 83.5 million won, the excitement is anticipated to be intense.
Street Dance Parade: A large-scale performance unfolding on the streets of Cheonan, bringing joy to citizens through creative and dynamic dance. With 45 million won in prizes, participants' innovative ideas and spectacular group dances are highly anticipated.
Ancillary Competitions:National University Dance Competition: A dance competition for university students nationwide, serving as a gateway for young talents who will lead Korea's dance scene in the future.
National University Cheerleading Competition: A competition for dynamic and energetic cheerleading teams, expected to infuse youthful passion and vitality into the festival.
Experience Booths: Providing spaces where visitors can directly participate in and enjoy various dance-related experience programs.
Fringe Performances: Adding diversity to the festival through free and creative performances, while also offering performance opportunities to emerging artists.
 
Participation Application and Festival Schedule Information

Applications for dance competition categories are open from May 19 to July 20, while applications for experience booths and fringe teams will be accepted from June 2 to June 29. All applications can be submitted online through the official website of the Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival 2025. Detailed recruitment guidelines and required documents can be found on the website.

The festival will take place for five days from Wednesday, September 24, to Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Cheonan Sports Complex and throughout Cheonan City. During the festival period, in addition to the dance competitions, various planned performances, exhibitions, and experience programs will be operated, providing abundant attractions for visitors.

Ahn Dong-soon, CEO of the Cheonan Cultural Foundation, stated, "We aim to create a festival where citizens, artists, youth, and seniors can all participate together," and asked for "much interest and participation." This festival will be a valuable opportunity for everyone who loves dance to come together, express their excitement and passion, and create unforgettable memories. We look forward to the successful holding of 'Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival 2025,' Korea's representative dance festival.

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