subject: Elegant Peacock Dance of Dai Minority [print this page] Elegant Peacock Dance of Dai Minority Elegant Peacock Dance of Dai Minority
One day a thousand years ago, the father figure of Dai Minority saw a beautiful peacock dancing gracefully, and he could not help imitating it. From generation to generation, thousands of folk dancers made the "Peacock Dance" perfect continuously.
History of the Dance:
The dance has a long history. In Donghan Dynasty, Dai people often went to Luoyang (the ancient capital of China) to dedicate their elegant dance to the emperor. It can be seen that the Peacock Dance had a high level two thousand years ago.
The Importance of Dance:
In Dai people's heart, peacock is the symbol of beauty, happiness and luck. Of all kinds of dance of Dai Minority, the peacock dance is their favorite one. The peacock has been brought into the religious amenity. Whenever there are festivals, fairs, or parties, Dai people will perform it.
Performing Procedure of the Dance:
Dai people know the living habits of peacocks, so they perform the dance gracefully really like a peacock dancing. The procedure contains several steps. At the beginning of the dance, a peacock flies outside from its nest, watching around sensitively, and begins to dance elegantly. Then, it pokes the grass and looks for food and water. When it finds food and water, it will go to the bank of river and take a bath. At last, the peacock outspreads its wings and flies happily.
The Features of the Dance:
First, the dancers' knees always wave flexibly. It is the common feature of Dai dance. The knees don't wave mechanically but flexibly according to the change of performers' sentiment.
Second, the elegant dance is shown by the flexibility of performers' arms, wrists, and fingers. The movements are soft and elegant to show the docility of peacocks.
Third, the performers' legs move promptly and the eyes move flexibly to show the flexibility of the peacock.
The elegant dance is the crystal of Dai people's wisdom. It has high value of appreciating. In May 20, 2006, the Peacock Dance of Dai Minority was listed to be the first National Grade Cultural Heritage.
Peacock Dance is the most famous dance of Dai Minority. It is an essential part of the unique culture of Yunnan.
