Most Maogusi dances are about history, fishing, marriage and the daily work of the Tujia people. Some dances might last six days and nights. The dance is an ancient dance for commemorating the exploits of their ancestors. It shows the story of Tujia ancestors exploring new lands, farming, fishing and hunting.
The Maogusi dance is an integration of singing, dancing and drama. It is a native drama intended for a deity. Seldom seen in other ethnic groups, this primitive dance is called the 'living fossil' of primitive Tujia culture. It provides reliable clues for research on the origins of Tujia dances.