Props are one of the most important acting elements in a dance work. In general, proper use of dance props can show different image characteristics and emotional changes at a specific point in time. In addition, the performer can rely on certain tools...
Props are one of the most important acting elements in a dance work. In general, proper use of dance props can show different image characteristics and emotional changes at a specific point in time. In addition, the performer can rely on certain tools to highlight their inner feelings and the image of the character, which helps to create a character in a dance work. Among them, the sword (劍) is a dance prop that draws attention especially in dance works. Because of its unique charm in the history of the sword, it occupies an important position and influence in the development of martial arts and Chinese drama and dance.
In Chinese mythology, most of the characters occupying important positions such as great kings, warriors, and leaders are swords. In fact, it is difficult to prove that the records of the sword are vague and that the date is too old. However, it can be seen that the sword was not just born, but was constantly improved and developed by some weapon devised by people. Carl has not only the bad side of war, but also the good side of dance entertainment. In the Age of Cold Weapons, the role of the sword was to protect itself and the enemy in battle. In an era when the social environment was stable, the sword disappeared into history and transformed into a martial art tool that strengthens the body. As material life improves, kendo, a martial art tool, tends to change significantly according to contemplativeness. As a result, the role of the sword was also changed from the existing weapon defense function to the character of showmanship.
The sword's cultural and historical contents could not be realized and expressed as props because the scenes used in dance were often simple and overlapping. In this way, the artistic image of dance is not well expressed, and the expression of emotion or artistic influence is insignificant. Therefore, this study aims to find commonalities and individuality between the two countries through the historical background and aesthetic comparison of the long sword dances of Korea and China, and to create a new dance work using these characteristics. In this study, the origin, formation process, composition, and aesthetic characteristics of Korean long sword dance and Chinese classical sword dance were collected and studied. In particular, in the aesthetic characteristics part, the similarities and differences between Korea and China can be intuitively seen through the study of three directions: the fluid beauty of space, the beauty of movement, and the symbolic beauty of props. Therefore, in the creative analysis of dance works, this researcher also created through the fluid beauty of the dance space, the form beauty of the dance movements, and the symbolic beauty of the dance tools. In the creation of a dance work, the researcher created the choreography according to the flow of the times based on the existing form of traditional dance that has been handed down without following the method of organizing modern dance. This study provided a theoretical foundation for the creation of long sword dance works in both Korea and China in the future. In the future, I hope that better research on the theory of re-creation of traditional dance will be conducted through research and analysis on the current state of dance creation according to the times based on the essence of traditional dance in each country.