News
Janggo Dance
Jun
Janggo, an hourglass-shaped drum, is a national percussion instrument of Korea.
Musicians playing the janggo are depicted in the tomb mural paintings of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668).
Janggo dance, a Korean folk dance, was at first played in such folk dance works as a peasant music dance in which janggo beaters produced various rhythmic patterns and movements, enlivening the atmosphere. Afterwards, the janggo dance was developed into a solo piece.
At first, janggo beaters were mostly men, so the dance was performed by men but later also by women.
Male dancers presented vigorous, liberal and bold movements, while female dancers gentle, elegant and nimble ones.
When the dancer performs various movements, striking at fast beats both soundboards of janggo with a stick in one hand, the dance becomes more attractive.
As the janggo dance is widely played by not only professionals but also ordinary people at present, its tradition is being carried forward brilliantly.
