Yongin Folk Village 2

Text: We enjoyed the performances of the rope walker and the Farmer Dance. The rope walker amazed us with his feats of balance, accompanied by a drummer who sat on the ground below. He amused the audience by imitating the walk of various historical social groups, such as the "yang ban" gentleman, the court lady, and the peasant farmer.

(Page 2) The Farmer Dance, or Farmer Music, was traditionally performed at times of planting and harvest. Some of the dancers wear hats with long ribbons attached to swiveling rods which they keep swirling in elaborate patterns. Accompanying rhythm is provided by several percussion instruments. These days the music is generally performed only at cultural festivals.

Background Paper: Kasuiri with Daphne natural lightweight at top and bottom, both from Daniel Smith.

Pens: Micron black (01)

The little man was designed from a pin that Doug picked up in Nam Dae Mun market. I scanned it, enlarged it, and used the graphite transfer method to trace the pieces onto different colored papers. Here's a picture of me working on this page.

The rope walker had a great shtick. He was hilarious. The rope was not a tightrope but a wide, slack rope. The way he walked up the supporting rope on the side was amazing.

The Farmer Dance is entrancing. The music is quite atonal, being only drums, but the movement and the swirling ribbons really captivate your attention. One old man came down from the bleachers and danced around in the middle of the performers.

Learn more about the Farmer Dance.