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A stage scene reflects the tradition of Yunnan villagers playing the drums to help a woman through labor.(Photo Source: China Daily)
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BEIJING, May 24 -- After a year of traveling around the countryside of southern China, one of the country's most celebrated contemporary dancers is bringing a unique take on Yunnan dance and music to Shanghai next month.
Yang Liping's Sounds from Yunnan will showcase the rich folklore culture of over 20 minority ethnic groups through natural sounds found in the province. Yunnan province borders Vietnam and has established itself as one of the hottest tourist destinations for Chinese holidaymakers.
Ling said the natural beauty that attracts hordes of tourists also serves as a key musical muse.
"You'll find a rhythm in the sound of butterflies flapping their wings and rice and corn plants growing," said Yang. "Even wind going through the leaves of a tree makes music with its own melody."
Yang visited difficult-to-access villages looking for authentic music performances, such as folk artists playing songs accompanied by sounds made from green leaves and bamboo shoots, or tapping on tiny clay jars.
Her most striking discovery was a kind of Tibetan drum that stands three meters tall.
"It's a unique percussion instrument in Yunnan," she said. "When a woman gives birth, villagers come together and play the drum to help her through labor."
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Yang Liping, celebrated contemporary dancer.(Photo Source: China Daily)
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A traditional approach is used to make this type of drum. Villagers first hunt for a good tree by dropping eggs at the foot of the trunk. If the egg does not break, the tree is deemed appropriate and is chopped down then carried back to the village. The wood is then placed at the very bottom of a muddy swamp for several years before it is strong enough to be made into a drum.
Intrigued by the generations of women who have given birth to the sound of drumming, Yang created a piece in her show dedicated to this tradition. Accompanied by 10 drummers, Yang will perform a dance meant to convey the experience of a woman experiencing labor in this bold and jarring environment.
"Yunnan has such a rich culture that I don't see any end to my inspiration," said the self-taught dancer and choreographer.
The 50-year-old became well known nationwide for her 'peacock dancing' years ago. Her influence can still be seen and felt among contemporary Chinese dancers.
"A long time ago the peacock dance was very different. It was only ever danced by men. But ever since I did it, everyone seems to have copied my style," she said.
"To carry on these cultural traditions is important, not just to copy what was done before, but to create and add to them. That's how traditional art survives and evolves," she added.