Cheoyongmu is the traditional dance of Cheoyong (Cheoyongmu). It is based on a legend about a mythical character named Cheoyong. This dance has been around for over a thousand years since the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). This dance is noted for its majestic and vigorous movements. It is the only Korean traditional court dance that is performed by dancers wearing masks. This story is set in ancient Silla during the reign of King Heongang. Cheonyong, the son of a dragon, was encountered by the king on the beach at Gaeunpo, today's Ulsan. He married a woman from Silla and lived in Sorabeol, today's Gyeongju, the capital. On one occasion, Cheoyong came home to discover his wife in bed with a stranger. Surprisingly, Cheoyong just turned around and left the room, dancing and singing a song of his composition. The stranger revealed their identity as the "plague spirit." He knelt before Cheoyong and said, "I have committed a horrible act, but you have not been angry with me. I am overwhelmed by your generosity. When I see even a picture of your face from now on, I swear I will not enter that house". Believing this tale, people began to hang pictures of Cheoyong on their doors to ward off evil spirits.
In the Goryeo Dynasty, the Dance of Cheoyong was performed by a single dancer. As the country progressed into the Joseon Dynasty, while King Sejong reigned, the Dance of Cheoyong was performed with the Crane Dance and the Lotus Pedestal Dance, resulting in the current form known as the Dance of Cheoyong in the Five Directions, which is performed by five dancers at banquets and other festive occasions. In the Joseon Dynasty, the performance of this dance was discontinued for some time, but it was revived during the Japanese colonial rule by the Conservatory of the Yi Royal Family. Unlike many other traditional dances, the origin and development process is relatively well known.
Five men dressed in white, blue, black, red, and yellow represent the four cardinal directions and the center. The dark wine-colored man-god mask is worn by the performers, who have white teeth and tin earrings with lead beads. The five men place black hats decorated with two peony blossoms and seven peaches to ward off evil and welcome auspicious energy. The dancers move fluidly and confidently through a variety of styles and tempos of music, punctuated by lyrical song recitations. Cheoyongmu embodies the philosophy of Confucianism, specifically the Five Elements theory. A valuable opportunity for traditional craftsmanship is also provided by the creation of the Cheoyong masks.
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