This study examines the significance of shin minyo dance, a modern dance heritage that was popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, with particular focus on the works of Bae Guja, who created dances based on the folk songs Cheonan Samgeori and Doraji Taryeong. Employing a practice-based research methodology, the study centers on the processes of re-enactment and restoration, while analyzing the reproduction of these works in a contemporary context. The findings reveal that the living transmission of cultural heritage lies not merely in reproduction or restoration, but more importantly in the modern succession and sustainability of dance that reflects both national identity and regional characteristics. Furthermore, this research proposes creative methodologies for integrating the cultural value of traditional dance into contemporary society and underscores the significance of modern succession of modern dance heritage.

The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understandingt of Bae Gu-ja by reconstructing her early work The Death of Swan. First, the contents behind the records of the era were identified through the examination of photo materials and newspaper articles in which Bae Gu-ja appeared. Then, various data related to Bae Gu-ja were collected in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world of her dance. Lastly, Bae Gu-ja’s The Death of Swan was reconstructed to induce an inner experience, felt in the body. This is a process of empathizing with what Bae Gu-ja must have felt while performing The Death of Swan.

The Death of Swan is an artwork in which Bae Gu-ja attempted to project herself and to express her inner self through a dying swan. While reconstructing and rewriting the performance, it was possible to reinterpret it and empathize with Bae Gu-ja’s experience. Furthermore, it also allows for the possibility of various interpretations of history, enabling a more open discussion. The objective of this study is to contribute to the Korean dance history description method by conducting a new type of historical research, and to highlight the need to conduct more diverse research.