Yechon Air Base, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Many people dream of performing live on stage in front of a large crowd, and even though it may not have been in front of a crowd of thousands, some U.S. and Republic of Korea service members can at least say they've performed in front of an international audience.
Marines, sailors and ROK airmen joined together for the Exercise Foal Eagle 2010 Korean - U.S. Friendship Event at the theater here April 16, showcasing their music, dance and martial arts talents.
To give the service members a break from the exercise, the talent show was held to encourage friendship and build a stronger bond between the two nations.
Lance Cpl. Matthew Lareau opened the show with a musical act and was followed by Staff Sgt. Shane Hall, member of local Iwakuni band Jalopy.
Hall said that he’s now had the privilege of playing in seven different countries.
Next to take the stage was a women’s group performing a dance with feathered fans, a Korean woman performing a traditional song, and then a men’s group performing an intense dance with drums and ribbons. The audience watched in awe at the performances. It was the perfect showcase of traditional Korean culture.
“We don’t get the chance to go off base much during the exercise, but after this talent show, I’ve gotten my taste of Korea,” said Pfc. Fatimah Butler, food service specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. “I got to see some of the traditional Korean dance and song. Not many people can say they’ve experienced the culture firsthand like this.”
The Kyung Hee University Demon Team, a tae kwon do demonstration team, wrapped up the show with the most memorable performance of the night. The students were constantly flipping through the air, kicking through pieces of wood and shattering apples on knives with the slightest flick of their foot.
“When I read on the program that they were going to be demonstrating tae kwon do, I thought it was going to be kind of boring, but the amount of strength and athleticism they had, it completely blew my mind,” said Butler. “It was definitely something that people are going to talk about for weeks.”
The Marines, sailors and ROK airmen were brought together to share and experience each other’s culture, and that’s exactly what they did. They left the show in chatter, talking about the performances they just saw and what a good time they had.
“I hadn’t really interacted with the Koreans up until the show,” said Butler. “Now I feel more comfortable and confident interacting with them. Despite all our differences, at least we have a common sense of humor.”