Eleven dancers, an invisible force, and a soundscape that trembles like the surface of a distant moon. On Wednesday 13 May, Glasgow's Tramway hosts the UK debut of Gravity, a Korean contemporary dance work set to be one of the most striking pieces to land on a Southside stage this year.

The show comes from Seoul-based choreographer Jang-hyun Ryu and his company, Ryu and Friends, and forms part of A Festival of Korean Dance 2026 — the ninth edition of the UK-wide festival presented by The Place and the Korean Cultural Centre UK, with Tramway as Glasgow's host venue.

What is Gravity?

If you've never been to a contemporary dance show, don't be put off by the label. There's no plot to follow, no programme to decode. Think of it as music for the eyes: bodies, light and sound moving together to create a feeling.

Organisers describe Gravity as "a work about relationships between all matter; the push and pull, the chaos, the harmony, the awe and the grace, of life in the universe." On stage, an eleven-strong company "shakes, scatters and spins" — swept up by a force the audience can sense but never quite see.

Ryu, who calls himself "a man building the bodies," draws on theatre, film, music and traditional Korean dance, often with a mischievous streak. Expect floating orbs, shifting light, a "tremorous, otherworldly soundscape," and — fair warning — haze and fire effects. The piece runs 65 minutes with no interval, and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

A cultural exchange in Albert Drive

For Tramway, the booking continues a long tradition of championing international work in Glasgow's Southside. The cavernous former tram depot at 25 Albert Drive has, for decades, opened its doors to artists from around the world, and Gravity slots neatly into that lineage.

"As the festival celebrates its 9th year, it is a pleasure to open simultaneously at The Place in London and Tramway in Glasgow," said Jaeyeon Park, Senior Producer at the Korean Cultural Centre UK. "Audiences can look forward to… the UK debut of Ryu and Friends, whose Gravity brings explosive physical energy to the stage."

The exchange runs both ways. Glasgow audiences get a rare chance to see one of Korea's most talked-about choreographers; Ryu and his dancers get their first UK stage — and share the festival with returning favourites 99 Art Company and the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company across the wider tour.

Need to know

  • What: A Festival of Korean Dance 2026 — Ryu and Friends: Gravity
  • Where: Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2PE
  • When: Wednesday 13 May 2026, 7:30pm (65 minutes, no interval)
  • Tickets: £16 / £12 concession, plus booking fee
  • Box office: 0141 276 0950, or book online via Glasgow Life
  • Audience notes: Contains haze and fire. Recommended for ages 13+

Tramway is fully wheelchair accessible, with level access to all spaces, lift access to upper levels and accessible toilets on every floor. Assistance dogs are welcome.

If you've been curious about contemporary dance but never quite taken the plunge, this is the one to try. Pull comfortably, push gently — let Gravity do the rest.