The dance is impromptu to a large extent while the dancer holds a stick in each hand and imitates the movements of animals and even their sexual acts. In addition, he sometimes imitates the beasts' howl, which aims to watch out for devils and keep them out of people.

  Guizhou Volume: Hougu (Monkey Drum) Dance of the Maonan Ethnic Group

Monkey Dance, a traditional form at funerals of the Maonans in Guizhou Province , is performed by a wizard and popular in some villages of Pingtang County.

Monkey Dance consists of two kinds: one is performed by a single male dancer, and the other by two dancers. There are three parts of the content: "The Birth of the Monkey", "The Monkey Striking the Stake", and "The Monkey Holding Fire to Illuminate", which stand for the origin, unity and bravery, and the loyalty to their ancestors' last wish of the Maonan People. Nowadays, Monkey Dance has become a self-entertaining piece favoured by the local people.