Chinese Dance — Ancient Art Form Across Time and Space

Chinese Dance is an ancient art form across time and space, from the Neolithic era till today, for people to worship heaven and earth, communicate with deities and spirits, praise exceptional accomplishments, reproduce grand and memorable events, tell fascinating legends and stories, celebrate happy occasions, and express joy and sorrows.

Painted Pottery Dancer Figurine of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) — Palace Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

Origin of Chinese Traditional Dance — Mysterious and Solemn Ritual Dance

Worship and Celebration — Dragon Dance and Lion Dance

Glorious Court Dance and Acrobatics

Dance in China Across Time and Space — Chinese Classical Dance

Famous Chinese Dancers in History

Styles of Traditional Chinese Dance

Square Dance — Modern Exercise Dance Culture

Origin of Chinese Traditional Dance — Mysterious and Solemn Ritual Dance

Ritual Dances originated during the ancient era and are regarded as the earliest forms of dance in China.

Usually danced by Shaman (in Chinese Wu Zhu) or nobles with supreme power, ancient Ritual Dances in China had been performed to:

Pray for the well-being of states and people;

Show gratitude and praise for deities' blessings;

Invite deities to worship, guide, or communicate;

Appeal for rain and good harvests;

Exorcise evil spirits, demons, and ghosts.

Accompanied by music, Ritual Dance performers would hold different types of magical appliances or weapons, and wear special outfits and masks, to connect and communicate with nature and the surroundings.

Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) Painted Clay Dancer Figurine With Mask — Xinjiang Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

Some ancient Ritual Dances later evolved into religious dances in China, successive imperial empires inherited some in worship ceremonies, and some disappeared in history.

More importantly, the spirit of wearing special costumes and masks to simulate nature, deities, and mythical creatures, has been well-inherited and formed some popular Chinese traditional dances, such as the Dragon Dance and Lion Dance.

Worship and Celebration — Dragon Dance and Lion Dance

Dragon Dance and Lion Dance are two famous Chinese traditional dances throughout history, which have been performed to pray and later to celebrate on important happy occasions and festivals.

Dragon Dance

Chinese Dragon, or Loong, is a significant cultural icon of China, which symbolizes strength, bravery, invincibility, virtue, unity, intelligence, triumph, integrity, and auspiciousness,

In legends and folklore, different types of Chinese dragons are in charge of rain and water and have been defeating evils and protecting humans.

Deity Flying Dragon Shape Brick of the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD) — The Art Institute of Chicago (Photo by Dongmaiying)

Dragon Dance, a group of people imitating movements of flying dragons to appeal for rain, pray for good harvest and blessing, and seek protection from drought and flood, has been one of the most important folk performances since the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD).

Materials, performing times, movements, colors, and lengths of dragons on Dragon Dances differ according to history and geology.

Today, Dragon Dances are primarily performed in important festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, mainly as celebration activities.

Dragon Dance Performance with Dragon Chasing the Peal, Photo by Jiangnan Qingfeng.

Lion Dance

In ancient times, the Lion was named Suan Ni, a mystical creature believed to be a son of the Chinese Dragon, strong, quiet, peaceful, and powerful.

After lions were introduced to China through the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD), their appearances resembled descriptions of the mystical Suan Ni in ancient legends.

Hence, people named lions as Suan Ni and regarded them as representatives of auspiciousness, safety, and strength.

Since then, performing Lion Dance (mainly including northern and southern lion styles) has been important for Chinese people to pray for good luck and celebrate festivals and joyful events.

Lion Dancers in Lion Dance Costumes in Chinese New Year Celebrations

Glorious Court Dance and Acrobatics

Since Xia Dynasty (2070 BC — 1600 BC), court dances have been performed for royals to worship, pray, divine, eulogize, and entertain.

Later in Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC — 256 BC), strict Li Yue Culture was established, which, based on hierarchy, regulated a series of rites regarding the national ceremony, etiquette, social system, music, and dance.

As for Court Dance, costumes and numbers of dancers, styles of songs and musical instruments, choice of dancers and music on each occasion all have strict rules.

Painted Pottery Dancer and Musician Figurines of Warring States Period (403 BC — 221 BC) — Shandong Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

Later, in Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC — 403 BC), this strict Li Yue system gradually fell apart with the kings of Zhou losing power, when court dances became a means to entertain and praise royals.

The most famous and outstanding Court Dance in China is Nichang Yuyi, about an emperor's trip to the fabulous moon palace and meeting mystical deities.

This emperor, Li Longji (685 — 762), was the writer of the music of Nichang Yuyi, and his favorite concubine Lady Yang (719 — 756) danced to it. Together they completed this legendary art.

Nichang Yuyi Dance in Show "Yang Gui Fei" or "Lady Yang", Lead Dancer Zhou Jie.

Meanwhile, folk dances began to thrive, as well as Variety Art that includes conjuring, fire breathing, sword swallowing, acrobatics, wrestling, martial arts shows, horsemanship, juggling, etc.

These folk performances are named Baixi and have been performed in both royal courts and streets.

Baixi Performace on Imperial Banquet Mural, Unearthed from Dahuting Tomb of Eastern Han Dynasty (25 — 220).

Dance in China Across Time and Space — Chinese Classical Dance

Chinese Classical Dance is a branch formed in the 1950s by combining and reproducing the movements from historical relics, frescos, traditional opera, martial art, and folk dance.

At the same time, the themes, costumes, sets, and music are about ancient history, legend, and mythology.

Chinese Classical Dance "Qi", About Luo River Goddes Luoshen, Produced by Henan TV for Dragon Boat Festival, Performed by He Haohao.

Based on main learning resources, Chinese Classical Dance has developed three branch schools:

Han Tang Dance

Based on cultural relics, sculptures, paintings, and descriptive records from the Han (202 BC — 220 AD) and Tang (618 — 907) dynasties.

Chinese Classical Dance "Tang Palace Banquet", Based on Cultural Relics and History of the Tang Dynasty, Directed by Chen Lin, Produced by Henan TV.

Dunhuang Dance

Based on paintings, statues, and frescos of Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.

Chinese Classical Dance "Longmen Jingang", About Dunhuang Style Feitian Deities and Guardian Warriors on Longmen Grottoes, Produced by Henan TV.

Kunqu Dance

Based on Kunqu Opera, or Kun Opera, one of the most ancient and dominant Chinese Operas since it originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368 — 1644).

It has been listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Chinese Classical Dance Performance "Caidiede Hongqiao", Kunqu Artist Shao Tianshuai, Lead Dancers Wang Yabin and Huang Chendi.

Famous Chinese Dancers in History

Today, it is impossible to see ancient dance performances from the past; hence, dancers in history obtained their well-established reputation mainly based on descriptions of historical records and literature.

There's no doubt that there were many good Chinese dancers in history; however, only a few left their names, not only because of their exceptional dancing achievements.

Xi Shi: A famous honey trap with stunning beauty and exceptional dancing skills, trained and sent to seduce the King of Wu (? — 473 BC).

Chinese Classical Dance "Dian Jiang Chun", Performed by Hua Xiaoyi.

Lady Qi (? — 194 BC): The favorite concubine of Emperor Liu Bang, who even planned to abolish the current crown prince for her but failed. After the emperor passed away, Lady Qi and her son were murdered cruelly.

Wei Zifu (? — 91 BC): She had been learning to sing and dance in a princess' mansion as a child, was chosen by Emperor Liu Che during the performance and became his second queen.

Chinese Classical Dance "Wuxing Chu Dongfang", Based on the "Five Stars Rise in the East" Culture Relic of the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD), Produced by Henan TV.

Lady Li: One of the most favorite imperial concubines of Emperor Liu Che (156 BC — 87 BC) for her beauty and exceptional dancing talent.

Zhao Feiyan (45 BC — 1 BC): A professional dancer in a princess' mansion, she won the heart of Emperor Liu Ao the first time she performed and later became his queen. Zhao Feiyan was famous for her graceful dancing skills; she could dance like a flying swallow in a delicate crystal tray.

Lady Yang (719 — 756): An exceptional musician and dance artist who performed the extraordinary "Nichang Yuyi" dance and was the favorite imperial concubine of Emperor Li Longji.

Chinese Classical Dance "Liren Xing", Based on Great Poet Du Fu's Poem that Describes Lady Yang and Her Familes' Extravagant Spring Outing, Performed by Chongqing Singing and Dancing Troupe, Produced by Henan TV.

Xie A'man (717 — 757): A professional court dancer, highly appreciated and frequently awarded by Emperor Li Longji and Lady Yang.

Lady Gongsun: A folk dancer of the Tang Dynasty (618 — 907), famous for her exceptional Sword Dance, and invited to perform for the emperor. Her dances had inspired famous calligraphers and painters and had been described and prized by the great poet Du Fu (712 — 770).

Chinese Classical Dance "Zhici Qinglv", Based on Exceptional Painting "Qianli Jiangshan Tu" of the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279), Lead Dancer Meng Qingyang.

Styles of Chinese Dance

Props and Costumes of Dances in China

Based on main props and costumes, typical Chinese Dances include Fan Dance, Ribbon Dance, Long Sleeve Dance, Umbrella Dance, Sword Dance, Lantern Dance, and Drum Dance.

Sword Dance "Xiao Yao" About Great Poet Li Bai (701 — 762), Performed by Hu Yang, Produced by Henan TV.

Chinese Folk Dances

Chinese Folk Dances are performances that originated and popularized among ordinary people, primarily performed at important festivals and happy occasions, to celebrate, pray for good weather and blessing, and exorcise evilness.

Besides Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, some famous regional Chinese Folk Dances include Donkey Dance, Boat Dance, Yang Ge, Ying Ge, Tai Ge, etc.

Yingge Performance of Chaoshan Culture.

Peacock Dance and Other Ethnic Group Dances

Throughout history, each ethnic group in China has developed expressive and brilliant dancing styles.

Peacock Dance of Dai People is an excellent representative, in which dancers simulate graceful dancings of beautiful peacocks, the auspicious bird that symbolizes beauty, benevolence, wisdom, peace, and happiness.

Accompanied by melodic local folk music, Peacock Dancers present elegant and graceful movements of peacocks, such as flying, wandering, eating, bathing, feather combing, relaxing, courting, etc.

Peacock Dance "Que Zhi Ling", Performed by Artist Yang Liping.

Square Dance — Modern Exercise Dance Culture

Chinese Exercise Dance, also named Square Dancing, Plaza Dancing, or Guangchang Wu, is one of the most popular and widely participated modern dances in China today.

Some Fun Facts About Chinese Square Dance

Mainly participate by middle-aged and retired people in groups, spontaneously;

Usually take place in squares, plazas, or spacious parks;

Music and dancing styles could be anything dancers like, usually dancing to catchy pop songs with strong beats;

The main purposes of Square Dancing are to exercise and socialize.