Balang's inspiration

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: balang drum dance

Applicant: Zhuoni County, Gansu Province

Project No.: 688

Project No.: Ⅲ - 91

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: traditional dance

Region: Gansu Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Zhuoni County, Gansu Province

Protection unit: Zhuoni County Cultural Center

Introduction to balang inspiration:

Applicant: Zhuoni County, Gansu Province

Balang drum dance, known as "Shamu" in Tibetan, is a folk song and dance popular among the Tibetan people in Bawa, Taoyan and Bolin in the east of Zhuoni County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The origin of balang drum is related to the primitive sacrificial activities of the ancient Qiang people. The special props used in balang drum have distinctive national and local characteristics. Balang drum is named for its shape and beating method.

According to the local custom of Zhuoni, on the fifth day of the first month of each year, the dance begins to dance balang drum dance. On the 15th day of the first month, the dance ends. On the 16th day of the first month, balang drum dance is performed. Balang drum dance is generally composed of 10 to 16 people, each holding a balang drum. When performing, they turn the handle up and down according to the rhythm of the dance steps. Dance is a combination of singing and dancing. The song is thick and loud, the drum is thumping, the dance steps are vigorous and the rhythm is strong. The rhythm of the tune is steady and gentle, vigorous and dignified, and the melody is ups and downs. There are more than ten kinds of related repertoire, each of which has its own name, fixed program and corresponding dance movements.

Balang dance is a kind of God dance which has been passed down to the present. It contains the remains of ancient Tibetan folk religious culture, and has the research value of religion, folklore and minority music and dance. At present, the collection of balang dance lyrics and aria is slow, and there are few artists left in the old generation. The ancient balang dance is in danger of being lost, so it is urgent to strengthen the rescue and protection measures.