Long drum dance

The long drum dance is mainly performed in activities worshiping Panwang, the ancestor of the Yao people, and runs through an entire festival. It is inspired by a variety of forms, such as the two-person dance, the four person dance, and the group dance. The dancers must dress up and cooperate with each other, showing coordinated movements and changeable queues. It fully demonstrates the vitality of the Yao people and the joyful mood of the festive harvest.

On May 23, 2011, the long drum dance was approved by the State Council to be listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Yao people perform long drum dance. [Photo/Xinhua]