Facial expressions and body gestures are involved in acting skills. There are hundreds of symbolic gestures using the sleeves, hands, fingers, feet and legs.
For the opera connoisseur it is the execution of these movements that mark the distinction of greatness for the actor.
For example, when a Tan actor flings the two sleeves in one direction while facing the other, this symbolizes making a decision or anger. The Tan actor expresses embarrassment by holding open the hands with the palms upturned and the four fingers held together with the thumb bent on the middle finger; the Sheng actor holds his thumb straight. When the Sheng actor is lost in thought, he holds his beard at about the middle of its length in the first and second fingers, and moves his hand down a short distance with a stroking motion while his eyes move round and round.
