By deliberately stepping beyond his comfort zone and challenging himself on the global stage, Kwon Woojin has been selected as a dancer for Shechter II 2026, a highly competitive program that admits only eight dancers worldwide. From a remote video audition conducted through a small screen to an in-person evaluation lasting over 11 hours, each stage tested his physical and mental limits. Yet these moments ultimately strengthened him, becoming the driving force that expanded the artistic world of dancer Kwon Woojin. Through this interview, we take a closer look at his passion and journey toward his dreams.

| Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Kwon Woojin. I am a student from the Class of 2022, currently majoring in Contemporary Dance in the Department of Dance at Sungkyunkwan University.

| How do you feel about being selected as one of only eight dancers worldwide for Shechter II 2026?

Even now, it still doesn’t feel entirely real—it feels like a dream at times. I used to watch their  performances from the audience, thinking, “Someday, I want to dance on that stage with them.” The fact that I am now actually joining the company feels almost unbelievable. The phrase “a dream come true” keeps coming to mind.

What first motivated me to apply for the audition was my desire to see a wider world and grow as an artist. Rather than focusing solely on getting selected, I was more concerned about not limiting myself to a small, familiar space, even if that meant facing rejection. I wanted to go through the process, understand where I currently stand as a dancer on the global stage, and use that experience as motivation to keep moving forward.

With that mindset, I decided to challenge myself by applying to this audition, which felt incredibly distant and out of reach. I went in hoping simply to pass the first round, but surprisingly, I continued to receive positive responses and eventually made it into the final group of eight. The moment my number was called during the final announcement is something I will never forget.

This achievement is not something I achieved on my own. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who supported me—my peers and fellow students who constantly encouraged me during the audition process; the many people I met in Europe who offered various forms of help; and above all, my parents, who have always believed in and supported me, as well as Professor Na Ye Kim, who has had a profound influence on many aspects of my life as a dancer.

▲ Woojin Kwon, second from the left in the lower row

| Could you briefly introduce Shechter II and the Hofesh Shechter Company?

The Hofesh Shechter Company is a contemporary dance company founded in the United Kingdom in 2008 by Israeli-born choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter. The company is known for its explosive movement, emotionally charged choreography, and distinctive music composed by Shechter himself, characterized by intense rhythm and energy. With these qualities, the company has performed on major stages worldwide and is widely regarded as a leading contemporary dance company that transcends genre boundaries.

Shechter II is the company’s official professional development program and the only paid residency in which emerging dancers from around the world participate. Selected dancers gain global-stage experience through creation, rehearsals, and international tours, while also pursuing artistic growth. Last year alone, the program presented 92 performances across 40 cities in seven European countries. Beyond international stage experience, Shechter II offers comprehensive professional training tailored to the next generation of dance, covering health and well-being, leadership workshops, self-directed artistic development, creative processes with guest choreographers, and dance science.

▲ ⓒ Theatre of Dreams, Hofesh Shechter Company

| The audition reportedly received over 1,200 applications from 49 countries. How did the selection process unfold?

The audition process consisted of three stages. The first round involved submitting a one-minute dance video. Within such a short timeframe, it was challenging to highlight my strengths while concealing my weaknesses. Preparing for this stage prompted me to ask myself many questions, and in searching for those answers, I came to understand “Kwon Woojin” more deeply, both as a dancer and as a person.  

The second round was an online audition conducted via Zoom. Divided into groups, we were given 35 minutes to watch choreographers and dancers demonstrate movement sequences on screen, memorize them on the spot, and perform them. At the time, I was in Europe and had to participate using an iPad mini, which made it difficult to see clearly.

The final round was held in person in London and lasted from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 11-hour audition was a profound physical and mental challenge. By the end of the day, even small movements caused muscle spasms throughout my body.  We were asked to continuously learn and repeat physically demanding choreography without rest, then perform it again in front of the choreographers. After a brief break, decisions were made about who would stay and who would leave. This cycle repeated itself again and again. The group was narrowed down from 80 dancers to 50, from 50 to 25, and finally, from 25 to eight.

The most unforgettable moment was the final announcement. Perhaps it was a sense of camaraderie that had formed; we had grown close after spending the entire day together. Each time the results were announced, it was difficult to feel pure joy knowing that others had to leave. Waiting silently for my number—number 28—to be called was more nerve-racking than performing choreography. When I finally heard it announced, my mind went completely blank, and it felt as though time slowed down. That feeling is something I will never forget.

▲ ⓒ Theatre of Dreams, Hofesh Shechter Company

| What personal strength do you believe contributed most to this achievement?

I often see myself as a dancer who still has much to learn. Compared to my ambition and passion, I sometimes feel endlessly lacking. Paradoxically, however, this sense of inadequacy became my greatest strength. I constantly strive toward what I personally define as artistic excellence.

When I encounter dancers who excel in areas where I feel lacking, my first thought is “I want to become like that person.” But I don’t stop at admiration. I ask myself why I am lacking and how I can improve. By closely observing others’ movements, focus, and mindset, I naturally developed the ability to analyze and apply what I learn to my own body. This ability played an important role throughout the audition process.

| Were there any undergraduate experiences that were particularly helpful for your growth?

My undergraduate years allowed me to gain a wide range of experiences. The curriculum provided opportunities to work with international choreographers, participate in overseas workshops, engage in exchange programs with institutions such as The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), and take diverse theoretical courses, all of which broadened my global perspective.

Among these, the weekly Countertechnique classes were especially impactful. Under the guidance of Professor Na Ye Kim, who holds Asia’s first senior Countertechnique certification, I received systematic technical training every week. Over four years, I was able to develop essential skills for a dancer, including anatomical knowledge, body awareness, spatial perception, expressiveness, musicality, critical thinking, and endurance. In particular, when working abroad, I often found that my anatomical knowledge and the ability to apply it through bodily awareness truly stood out, reinforcing the importance of this training. Because the classes were conducted mainly in English, they also helped prepare me for working on the international stage.

▲ International workshop

| What artistic goals do you hope to pursue abroad?

Personally, I believe art is ultimately about expression. When I encounter a work of art, it can spark an immediate emotional response or lead me into prolonged reflection. These emotions and thoughts are deeply connected to one’s life experiences. Even when people encounter the same form of expression, I believe each person responds differently because everyone lives a different life, carries different experiences, and approaches the world with their own perspectives.

In this sense, I am excited to discover how much deeper my emotional world can become as “Kwon Woojin” steps into new environments and cultures abroad. The richer these experiences become, the broader my expressive capacity will be. Through collaboration with international artists—particularly in environments where expression tends to be more intense—I hope to become an artist whose work resonates more deeply with others.

| As a Korean contemporary dancer, how would you like to be remembered globally?

At this stage, I feel as though I have only just begun my journey. There is still so much to learn, and there is a long way to go. Rather than being remembered with grand labels, I hope to become a dancer whom others want to work with—someone sincere, grounded, and deeply human.

| Finally, what advice would you give to students dreaming of the international stage?

Stepping away from a familiar and safe environment to challenge oneself is never easy. I, too, once held only a vague longing to dance abroad, but there were times when fear of failure, and not knowing where to begin. For students who feel the same way, I would encourage them, rather than trying to calculate every possibility rationally, perhaps it’s worth allowing yourself to follow where your heart leads.

In taking those steps, I believe new connections and opportunities naturally begin to appear. Regardless of the outcome, anyone who dares to step outside their comfort zone gains the strength to move forward without fear. Thank you.

Interview: Park Myungjun