Aesthetic

While the dance itself was modified by the gisaengs, the traditional monk wardrobe is still worn by performers of the dance.  The costume itself resembles that of traditional garb worn by Buddhist monks at the time of seungmu’s coming about.  The performer wears the traditional robe known as “jangsam” (장삼), long sleeves called “gasa” (가사), and a white hood known as a “gokal.”  The most important part of the seungmu aesthetic, however, is the drum, known as the “bubgo” (법고)


While most Korean traditional performances can be done easily with simply a drum, seungmu involves the performer playing a drum alongside a six-piece orchestra accompaniment.  The actual dance of seungmu is divided into five acts.  Dancers always begins the first act kneeling down with their face to the floor.  This first act involves heavily the use of the long sleeves (gasa) to make different shapes in the air.  This first act is also considered to be the heaviest in Buddhist undertones.  The second and third act are considered a bit less worship-centered, however, the whole of the dance is of a very serious nature.

Seungmu performer