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Basic Skills
The basic skills include dance movements, and special acrobatic movements
while singing or reciting. It is very important for all opera actors and
actresses to master these basic skills.
The following are the main basic skills:

Waist and leg exercises are necessary for developing the ability to do leaps
and somersaults. Dances and acrobatics call for supple waists, so that the
performers can control their centers of gravity. Waist and leg exercises include
somersaults, swaying from right to left and from left to right, kicks, leg
stretches and pulls, and upward straightened leg movements.

Tanzi (carpet) skills are needed to make all kinds of somersaults, leaps,
jumps, and falls. It got its name because practice is carried out on a carpet or
rug. Most movements, including four-directional somersaults, are done with the
hands placed on the ground or with leaps and jumps.

Bazi (bundle) skills are combat techniques. Stage weapons include the
broadsword, spear, sword, long-handled ax, hook, fork, and staff. Combat skills
fall into three categories. The first is the use of long weapons such as the
broadsword, long-handled spear, and staff. The second is the use of short
weapons such as the sword, double swords, and dagger. The third is the use of
only one's bare hands.
Combat can be either serious or funny. The former emphasizes the characters
of the antagonists, while the latter shows off the skills of the performer. Both
require that the fighting be emotional, rhythmical, and conventional.
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