• (The) Research of the performance art and culture
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• no.25
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• pp.31-56
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• 2012

This paper were reviewed on some problems in the early history of Chinese dance written by scholars of contemporary China. Results of the review, were found the following problems; First, In describe to the early history of Chinese dance, contemporary Chinese scholars do not distinguish myths, legends and historical materials, so the history of ancient Chinese dance makes to mystery, thus, eventually will cause a lack of truthfulness. Second, In order to fill the lack in the early history of Chinese dance, the Chinese scholar often use a drawing of earthenware or mural. However, in certain cases, the same drawing by the other observer to be interpreted differently. In this case, if use as evidentiary material, there is a problem. Third, Most contemporary Chinese scholars usually say that the origins of dance is labor. It is to have originated from materialistic historical view can be said. However, in ancient China, but rather about the origin and function of dance there were diverse views. Therefore, this aspect should be cautious.