Sapayi Dance
The Sapayi is a folk instrument of the Uygur
ethnic minority. Two iron rings are attached to a 0.5-meter-long oval wooden
stick covered on one end with tin. The dancer holds the stick in his right hand
and strikes the tin end against his right shoulder or waves it back and forth so
the iron rings produce a wonderful sound. A dance for men, the Sapayi
is popular in the southern areas of Northwest China's Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region.
The steps of the Sapayi Dance include three steps and lifting one
foot, stepping back and forth on toe, and squatting on one leg. Its tempo and
movements become very fast, especially on joyous occasions, so the movements
must be sharp and in tempo.
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