As water and soil come out in different shape according to the vessel that holds them, the same is true for dance. Depending on what dance to learn, and to perform, dance movements and forms change. Seungmu, a dance Buddhist attire, which is considere...
As water and soil come out in different shape according to the vessel that holds them, the same is true for dance. Depending on what dance to learn, and to perform, dance movements and forms change. Seungmu, a dance Buddhist attire, which is considered to be one of the most difficult Korean dances, has been inherited in two types: Hanyeongsuk and Imaebang.
The tradition continues to develop throughout the middle area and the Honam area, (the southwestern part of Korea), taking on different geographical characteristics. In addition, the dance has been performed from generation to generation, regardless of gender. With regard to the two types of Seungmu, we came to have curiosity about dance movements that comprise Hanyeongsuk and Imaebang, as well as their uniqueness and expressions of beauty.
Along with this focus, in analyzing dance movements of the two types of Seungmu in comparison, from the fifth act of Seungmu, We limited the scope of my study to the Taryeong act.
We tried to analyze dance motions by dividing the body mainly into the arms and legs. Fist of all, in studying dance movements of the two Seungmus, the artistic sides of Hanyeongsuk and Imaebang were examined in an effort to establish a theory.
Secondly, the differences and similarities between the music, forms and terms of dance movements of the two Seungmus were looked. Thirdly, for detailed analysis of the dance movements, we looked into how many arm movements are made in keeping in time with a rhythm. Fourthly, we also looked how space is created by foot movements.
The findings of my study show that Hanyeongsuk has the most movements, two in a rhythm, while Imaebang has only one arm movement in a rhythm.
Regarding arm movements, it can be seen that Hanyeongsuk has great and accurate arm movements, through Ppurim movements, with strength; while, although danced by men, Imaebang involves a lot of body twisting and crouching. In coquettish movements, the dance shows complex motions, in Ppurim movements without left and right repetitive movements.
In terms of the space created by foot movements, although danced by women, Hanyeongsuk, performed in heavy steps, has a modern stage form, equally done in front, behind, left, and right.
Imaebang is shown to create irregular space with foot-oriented Didim movements, through which excitement is invoked, crossing over rhythms. The findings of my study clearly prove that Hanyeongsuk has a lot of top movements, while Imaebang has movements concentrated in the lower part of the body.
After comparing the motions of the two dances, although they are categorized under the same Buddhist dance, the big difference lies in the fact that they have different geographical characteristics and are danced by men and women. In addition, in spite of the same motions expressed through clear characteristics, we could realize that they are expressed in completely different dance forms.
Through these detailed motions of Seungmu, We hope to expand understanding of the two types of Seungmu, and contribute to paving the ground for studying other dances.