A series of activities are held from June 10 to June 15 to celebrate China’s 6th Cultural Heritage Day, an official event to raise the public awareness of those ancient traditions. Live shows of intangible cultural heritage, performed by masters and their students, are of special character and engage both the eyes and the minds. Representatives from 25 provinces and regions bring local handicrafts, performing arts, and appeal to the audiences with their magical talents. The event was put on by the Ministry of Culture of the P.R.C at the China Millennium Monument, Beijing. There was no admission charge to the public.
Originating from the regional folk art in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it can be performed by a standing performer, more than two sitting performers or in the form of aria-singing without make-up.
As one of the oldest and rarest among puppet shows in China, the Quanzhou puppet show enjoys a long history of more than 2,000 years.
While acting in the opera, artists are "roaring" rather than "singing", reflecting northwest China's simple and primitive folkway.
While acting in the opera, artists are "roaring" rather than "singing", reflecting northwest China's simple and primitive folkway.
Today, Taijiquan has spread worldwide. Most modern styles of Taijiquan trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools -- Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu, and Sun.
Glove puppet in Jinjiang can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty (265-420). It expanded and flourished during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Kaihuadiao, or Tunes of Flower, is a form of folk song popular in the Taihangshan Mountain area and Zuoquan, stands out for its special tunes and variety.
The tobacco case dance belongs to the Yi ethnic group folk culture, popular in the Yi inhabited area of China’s Yunnan province.
As part of the Q&A sessions with the masters and their students during the live show of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH), most masters said they are teaching “few” or “quite a few” apprentices their skill.
The gala was my first time having a face-to-face discussion with the practitioners who had hands-on experience in passing on the traditions to the younger generation.
|
|
