On the Strength, Energy and Charm of Jindo Drum Dance

Abstract

Jindo Drum Dance is an extremely distinctive form of Korean folk dance that is still very much alive as a performance medium and has been designated by the Jeollanam-do Government as an example of intangible cultural heritage. Current research on Jindo Drum Dance has focused on its choreography, comparing different styles and genres and analyzing specific dance movements; methodological studies on the practice level, however, remain very limited. Through a combination of visits and field studies, I have categorized and summarized the strength, energy and charm of Jindo Drum Dance from a first-person perspective, and have further investigated the cultural connotations embodied within the dance form. This paper firstly aims to promote a broader perspective of Jindo Drum Dance through integrating theory with practice and then aims to provide further references for those who study Jindo Drum Dance by sharing my own personal experiences.