Seungmu

Infobox Korean name

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imgwidth=180
hangul=승무
hanja=僧舞
rr=Seungmu
mr=Sŭngmu

"Seungmu" is a Korean dance performed by Buddhist monks. It is one of the most famous Korean traditional dances and designated as South Korea's important intangible cultural asset number 27 in 1969. It has been developed into a solo dance by professional dancers nowadays.

Origins

There were no evidences how Seungmu was created. Based on analyses of forms and movements of Seungmu, some researchers said that it may derived from other Buddhists ritual dance or common people ethnic dances. [ [http://www.nricp.go.kr/eng/folk/video_list.jsp?vid=v01_12.jsp Seungmu (Monk Dance)] , "National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage". Retrieved on September 26, 2007.] Some said that Seungmu came from "bubgo dance", a Buddhist ritual dance. It was once prohibited during the Joseon dynasty era, and then it was transformed into a folk dance and developed mostly by kisaengs.

Forms

The dancer wears a robe ("jangsam") with long sleeve called "gasa" and white hood called ("gokkal"). [http://210.95.200.104/eng/aboutg/trad_dance_view.jsp?gugak_id=142, "The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts". Retrieved on September 26, 2007.] The drum or "bubgo" is the most important part of Seungmu.

The seungmu integrates the eight rhythmic cycles: yeombul, dodeuri, taryeong, jajin taryeong, gutgeori, dwit gutgeori, gujeong nori, and saesanjo. Every now and then, when one rhythm shifts to another, the dancer changes the mood by changing his steps. [http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=H0202 Seungmu (monk dance)] , "KOREA.net". Retrieved on September 26, 2007.]

Aesthetic

Many people regard Seungmu is the most beautiful Korean dances. It is highly praised by its mixture of flowing movements, tense and stillness. The dancer's long and white sleeves movements, the serenity of white hood, a breathtaking pause, and then a soul-stirring movement contribute to the singular uniqueness of the seungmu.

Famous performers

Seungmu is passed on by very few dancers nowadays. The famous performers of Seungmu are including:
* Jin Yu rim, Master Assistant of Intangible Cultural Asset No. 27 and 97.
* Kim Ri hae, Zainichi Korean dancer.
* Lee Mae bang, master of Seungmu

ee also

* Korean culture
* Korean Buddhism
* Korean Buddhist temple
* Korean dance
* Important Intangible Cultural Properties

References

External links

* [http://www.lifeinkorea.com/cgi-bin/pictures.cfm Seungmu (Monk Dance)]
* [http://gazette.gokmu.com/news/article.html?no=490 Seungmu]
* [http://sca.visitseoul.net/korean/ethnic/i_intangible_properties06025.htm Info about Seungmu] from 서울문화재