The fan dance – Buchaechum is a traditional dance of Korea. Its origin is based in a combination of both politics and religion. The dance expresses emotions of people and ordinary life. It is often performed during celebrations, festivals, and traditional Korean holidays. There is only one form of the fan dance. The female dancers all wear the same traditional dress called a Hanbok, which is usually in bright colours. They also use identical paper fans painted with pink peony blossoms. At the beginning of the dance, the dancers all pose with the fans held up in front of their faces. Then, one dancer reveals her face and rises, moving the fans gracefully around her face and body. Gradually, the other dancers begin to move their fans similarly as if waking up from sleep. Eventually, all dancers are up, moving around the stage. They represent images like flowers, butterflies and waves. This dance is an essential part of ancient Korean culture and tradition; therefore, it should be continued.
