
Navillera Korean Performing Arts Development (NKPAD) is a Toronto-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, reinterpreting, and sharing Korean performing arts globally. Founded in 2018 by Hee Rin Kim, NKPAD provides a platform for professional and emerging artists to create innovative works that honor traditional Korean dance while exploring contemporary expression.
The organization engages in performance, education, and community outreach, fostering artistic growth and deepening understanding of Korean cultural heritage. By connecting with audiences both nationally and internationally, NKPAD promotes creativity, cross-cultural dialogue, and the continuity of Korea’s artistic legacy for future generations.
Recent History
February 28, 2026
Lunar New Year 'Seollal', Manitaba Museum, Winnipeg, Manitoba
August 23, 2025
Toronto Korean Festival at Mel Lastman Square
August 8-9, 2025
Sogochum workshop hosted by Korean Educational Centre in Canada, U of T
May 24, 2025
Asian Heritage Market, The Well
May 17, 2025
BACKYARD: Asian Night Market, STACKT market
August 25, 2024
Toronto Korean Festival at Mel Lastman Square
May 24, 2024
Asian and South Asian Heritage Month Gala Concert
hosted by The Ontario Pops Orchestra at Glen Gould Studio
May 22, 2024
AHM concert at Innis Town Hall, U of T
February 9, 2024
Lunar New Year Event at North York Genera Hospital
January 31, 2024
Happy Lunar New Year 2024 at Centennial College
November 12, 2023
Celebrating a Life of Dance & Culture at Meridian Arts Center Studio Theatre
October 12, 2023
Korean Cultural Night hosted by Consulate General of the Republic of Korea
July 28, 2023
TIFF Reception Performance at TIFF Bell Lightbox
July 22, 2023
Fort Henry Tattoo at 1 Fort Henry Dr Kingston
June 17, 2023
Hong Fook Gala at Hilton Garden Inn, Markham
June 3, 2023
Sarangbang Project 2023; In-yeon(인연) at Alumnae Theatre Company
January 17 - 19, 2023
Workshop "Korean Culture Week" at Laurier University
June, 2022
TVO Kids "Backyard Beats - Sogo" Choreography, Cultural Consultant, Performance
May 14 - 15, 2022
Sarangbang Project 2022; Breathe(숨) Presented by TKDC at 57 Glen Cameron Road, Markham
May 19, 2022
Sogo Chum workshop at St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School in Oakvill
April 24 - 29, 2022
Workshop for "Cross Sea" theater team in Montreal
Artistic Director of Navillera Korean Dance Company

HeeRin Kim is a Toronto-based Korean dance artist, choreographer, and artistic director with over forty years of experience. Since immigrating to Canada in 1999, she has dedicated herself to sharing the depth and beauty of Korean culture through performance and education. In 2018, she founded Navillera Korean Performing Arts Development (NKPAD), a non-profit organization committed to preserving and reimagining Korean cultural heritage. Her works include Nirvana, Breathe, and In-yeon, which blend traditional Korean dance with contemporary sensibilities.Her artistic vision is rooted in the essence of Korean aesthetics such as Heung (vital joy), Meot (refined beauty), Han (deep sorrow and resilience), and Shinmyeong (ecstatic release). Through these aesthetics she transforms human emotion into a living and evolving art form.
Recent History
January 17 - 19, 2022
Workshop "Korea Culture Week" at Laurier University
June, 2022
TVO Kids "Backyard Beats - Sogo" - Choreography / Cultural Consultant / Performance
May 14 - 15, 2022
Artistic Director / Choreography / Performance for "Sarang Bang project ; Breathe" in NKPAD
May 19, 2022
Workshops for Sogo Chum at St. Andrew Catholic Elemeltary School in Oakvill
April 24 - 29, 2022
workshops for "Cross Sea theater team" in Montreal
CCA Career Development Program(Pending) | Canada 2016
OAC Career Development Program | Canada 2015
Korean Dance Studies Societ of Canada Toronto | Toronto 1999-2002
Soongui Women’s College Seoul, South Korea | 1993 - 1995
Kye Sung High School Seoul, South Korea | 1989 - 1992
Director, Navillera Korean Dance Company | Toronto 2016 - Present
Board of Director, Namsadang (UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Hymanity) - Daejun district | South Korea 2015
Instructor, Hanmaeum Seonwon Temple | Toronto 2007 - Present
Choreographer, Freelance | Toronto 2005 - Present
Core Visioning Team & Instructor, Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada | Toronto 1999 - 2015
Instructor, Jungkyung Dance Academy | South Korea 1995 - 1998
OAC’s Access and Career Development Program | Ontario 2015
Kiwanis Dance Festival | Ontario 2002
World Friendship Dance Competition | South Korea 1992
National Korean Dance Competition | South Korea 1991
World Friendship Dance Competition | South Korea 1990
Asialicious Carnival | Toronto 2020
2020 Lunar New Year Celebration at Centenial College | Toronto 2020
2020 Lunar New Year Celebration at Seneca College | Toronto 2020
One Sky Festival @ Waterloo University | Waterloo 2019
Korean Veterans Annual Luncheon @ Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre | Toronto 2019
Nirvana The Connected Oneness at Toronto Centre For The Arts | Toronto 2018
The Shadow of Love at Dancemakers’ Studio | Toronto 2014
Canada Arirang at Toronto Centre For The Arts | Toronto 2014
Korean Day in Montreal | Montreal 2014
K-dance Refolution at Toronto Centre For The Arts | Toronto 2013
Byeong Pung (Dance Drama) and Journey at Toronto Centre For The Arts | Toronto 2011
Han-ca Gala | Ottawa 2011
The Thundering Roar at Toronto Centre For The Arts | Toronto 2011
Woon Ryuk at Betty Oliphant Theatre | Toronto 2010
Gong-mu-do-ha-ga at Premir Dance Theatre | Toronto 2006
Roots Revitalized, Sword Dance, and Farewell at Premir Dance Theatre | Toronto 2005
Legendary Tales at Premir Dance Theatre | Toronto 2004
Symbiosys: A Harmony of Light and Sound at Betty Oliphant Theatre | Toronto 2003
Ji-chenchum, Dance as a Ritual at Korean Culture Centre | Seoul 2002
Mudang Chum, Fan Dance at Korean Culture Centre | Seoul 2001
Shin Myung, Mask Dance, Shaking the Spirit at Korean Culture Centre | Seoul 2000
Artist & Board Director
Guest Artist & Board Director

Artist & Administrative Manager

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