This article examines the researcher’s own choreographic work, Reminiscence, which was performed at Ewha Womans University on June 7, 2018. Through this study, we hope to overcome the ephemerality of performing arts and describe dance works in a more analytical manner. By documenting the researcher’s own choreographic work, we can establish an individual’s choreographic philosophy, based on the individual’s understanding of the meaning and value of dance works. This analysis is based on a theory of perception proposed by Henry-Louis Bergson (1859-1941), who held that one could enlighten oneself through memory to lead a better life. Each part of the choreography corresponds to the core elements of Bergson’s theory, which allows us to establish a philosophy of choreography, as well as for the choreographer to speculate on the possibility of developing subsequent choreographies.

Expressions of literature or fine art create work that leaves a distinct record. By comparison, the performing arts never create work that remains afterward. Performance is a momentary art shown only in the present, and it is never affected by anything after the show. Performing arts are solely present at the time and place of a performance, making it practically impossible to preserve and store the work. In fact, maintaining and preserving the actions performed on scene has become an unresolved question in the world of performing arts. In order to maintain and preserve such moments, artificial interventions are essential, such as taking photographs or making videos. This paper aims to discuss some theoretical issues that should be taken into account in the process of documenting the performing arts. This paper will first discuss the authenticity of performance in terms of the object of documentation. Authenticity is a concept related to the identity of work. It will continue by examining Margolis’s theory of arts before exploring suitable media to record performances, such as records, body, memory and repertoire. Lastly, this paper will raise a question as to how to reflect aesthetic elements that need to be considered along with other factors in performance documentation. Ultimately, this paper suggests that performance documentation should begin to recognize the gap between performance and record. Such an approach should integrate ethnography and narrative.