The purpose of this study is to analyze and organize verbal descriptions articulating dance movements as a method to pass down a basic dance that epitomizes the unique stylistic features and techniques of an individual dancer in the contemporary and modern times when Gujeonshimsu(handing down orally and instruction with spirit) is the general teaching method in Korean dance education. The late Korean dancer and choreographer Choi Hyun is renowned for his commitment to performing and directing various genres of dance as well as nurturing students. As a highly acclaimed Korean dancer, his unique dance movements and skills are well worth being preserved for future generations. In this regard, this paper presents a method to hand down the legacy of Choi’s dance by classifying representative movements and techniques from his basic dance that integrates the creative skills and movements found in many of his performances, and by systemizing verbal descriptions of those movements. To that end, key movements of Choi’s dance were classified and their verbal descriptions were analyzed through examinations of previous studies of his dances, an analysis of his performances on video, and an empirical analysis on the repetitive practice of mimicking his moves. A summary of these research findings suggest the main features of Choi’s dance as described by previous studies as follows: artistic dance with transitional characteristics both contemporary and modern; theatrical expressionism; harmony between masculine and feminine; charm of impromptu motions found in Deotbaegi-chum, a representative dance of the Gyeongsangdo region; the inseparable relationship with music; upright postures and curved arms; metaphysical joy and flavor; and the beauty of emptiness and romanticism, etc. The movements featured in the videos of Choi’s dance performances are analyzed based on what characterizes his dance as found in previous studies. According to the results, the movements are largely classified into three categories: whole body movement; upper body movement; and lower body movement. With each category having four subcategories, the movements are classified into a total of 12 forms of movement verbally described. The whole body movement is demonstrated in four techniques: left and right body swinging and upward and downward closing movement; slight forwards and backwards walking with alternate leg crossing; fierce upward and downward body movement; and closing movement. The upper body movement is classified into four postures or movements: waist twisting; head tilting; circular arm movement; and cross-winding both hands. The lower body movement is displayed in four techniques: legs kept together and legs kept together while standing; short steps; low jumps; and legs-together standing posture. In conclusion, to identify the key elements of Choi Hyun’s basic dance movements and systemize verbal descriptions will be one of the ways to transmit the artistic value of his unique dance performances.

This study recognizes the role and importance of basic dance in Korean dance education, and aims to identify the research trends on basic dance choreography for about 50 years and examine the current status to be used as basic data.

In order to examine basic dance research trends, it was analyzed by year, publishing agency, and topic-specific criteria, and a total of 66 dissertations published from 1974 to 2020 were selected after keyword search using the RISS.

First, the annual standard was divided into five units for 10 years. The first phase of the study was 6.1%, with a high proportion of dissertations. The second term shows a quantitative increase of 12.1%. The third term decreased quantitatively from the second. The fourth and fifth periods saw rapid growth in research results, and a quantitative increase of 75.7% is confirmed. The subject of research has expanded to philosophy and aesthetics.

Second, the analysis by publishing organization showed that the dissertation was published at 13 universities and the academic journal paper was published at 16 academic societies.

Third, as a result of the analysis on a topic-specific basis, the most discussed topics are Dance/Movement Analysis, and the least discussed topics are psychology (treatment) and sociology/anthropology.

The last 20 years of the 50 years of research have shown a radical development in basic dance research, showing remarkable academic achievements such as proliferation in terms of various research topics, multi-disciplinary analysis and depth on specific topics, and efforts to build the structure and principles of basic dance.