Renowned for possessing elements belonging to “music as well as theatre” is an East Asian dance style known as Pungmul. This “traditional” style is said to have originated in South Korea during the Joseon dynasty. The performers in this dance style usually wear colourful costumes. In addition, the playing of drums by the performers also plays a huge role in this form of dancing. Furthermore, this dance style in November 2014 was officially added to the “UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list”.
Pungmul is a type of traditional Korean percussion music and dance that is performed by farmers. It is also referred to as nongack or samulnori. Under Vong Pak’s artistic direction, the VP Korean Drum and Dance Troupe embodies not only the genre’s technical techniques but also the spirit of Pungmul, which uplifts, amuses, and unites communities through the force of tradition.
Vong Pak, the artistic director, is a performing artist from Brooklyn who was born in Korea and has received a strong education in various styles of Pungmul. He was a finalist for the Folk/Traditional Arts category of the 2012 NYFA Fellowship. In addition to more than 20 different countries, he has performed at numerous venues and festivals in Tri-State New York. He is currently a resident teaching artist at several schools, including Bayside High School, East and West International Studies, Hunter College High School, and others.
a. History/Origin of the Pungmul:
According to the cultural history of South Korea, this dance form was first created and developed during the Joseon dynasty in the 18th century. Unfortunately, over time this dance style gradually became less popular with the people of Korea. However, it was during the 19th century that this form of dancing once again became popular among the public. Furthermore, it was this sudden rise in popularity of this dance style that led to the creation of a number of Western-styled concert halls. In addition, western classical and popular music also became popular in the country during this period.
b. Costumes used in the Pungmul:
The costume mainly used in this dance style is a Buddhist traditional dress known as “Kkokkal”. Furthermore, this costume is said to be extremely colourful. In addition, a prop in the form of a sangmo ribbon hat is also a part of the costume.
c. Music involved in the Pungmul:
The musical instruments mainly used in this dance style includes percussion instruments such as janggu (hourglass drum), buk (barrel drum), and jing (gong). In addition, a wind instrument in the form of taepyeongso may also be used at times.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Pungmul:
In terms of technique, this dance involves using “acrobatic” body movements. In addition, this dance also includes a step that requires the performer to manipulate the sangmo ribbon hats that are usually held in the hand while performing. This performance highlights the seoljanggu and bupo-nori, which are the key features of pungmul, as well as the composition of the instruments, costumes, and choreography which forms the authentic pungmul form. As for training centers/schools, there are few available worldwide, especially in the United States of America for all those interested in learning this unique “traditional” Korean dance.
Check out these videos of Pungmul Dance: