Sinan Lantern Dance: Body Practice and Ethnic Identity in the Context of Traditional Cultural Protection

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to study 1) History and development of Group Dance in the Lantern Festival tradition of the Zinan community, China and 2) Analyze the Body Practice and Theatrical performances to reflect ethnic identity of Zinan community, China. All information are collected from Documentaries and research concerning, In-dept Interviews, Observation, Questionnaire and Focus Group including China National Artist 1, Sinan Lantern Dance inheritors 2, Chinese dance teacher 1, Xujiaba lantern dancers15，Composer1, Choreographers 2，Villagers 30, with the descriptive analysis.

The research found that Sinan Lantern Dance originated in the Tang Dynasty (618),and developed into a lantern drama. Later, Sinan Lantern Dance was mixing with dance, music and drama under the light of the lanterns. At the earliest stage, Sinan Lantern Dance was blessed by the royal family and introduced to the people prevailing in various festivals ; weddings, funerals, life and entertainments. For Body Practice, There are 6 ways to use the dance fans, 7 pattern of basic dance steps, 10 pattern of dance body movements and the above movements can be danced by both men and women. Sinan Lantern Dance has many imitated animal movements, which show the spiritual value and characteristics of courage, strength and diligence of Tujia minority at Sinan Community, Guizhou,China

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