The First Wave: Percussion Ensemble Hongyingshu

Founded in 1999, the percussion ensemble Hongyingshu, literally meaning "a bundle of red cherry blossoms," is the first Chinese percussion group composed exclusively of female percussionists. Red costumes, huge drums painted in red, and nimble movements of drumsticks characterize the group. Its artistic sensitivity and creativity in playing with the infinite possibilities of sound and rhythm has helped Hongyingshu gain a good reputation both at home and abroad...more

The Second Wave: the Impression of Yunnan

The Impression of Yunnan, a grand song and dance performance of southwestern ethnic style choreographed and directed by Yang Liping -- a famous Chinese dancer who also starred in it --, has created a worldwide sensation since it was first staged in 2003 in Kunming of Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The performance derives from the real life of the local people, with almost all the performers from local rural areas...more

The Third Wave: Is Chinese Drum to rock the world in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games?

The 2004 Athens Olympic Games has been widely acclaimed as a huge success, with a French newspaper describing its opening ceremony as "a magical night." Then, what shape is the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic going to take? And what will China use to surprise the world?

The answers to these questions can be sought by looking at the history of the Chinese way of celebrating their prosperous and peaceful times, which is invariably associated with the hanging of red lanterns and playing of drums. It is a typical way for the Chinese to express their national feelings by beating drums ...more

Author:Lency