is a form of Chinese folk dance originating from the Song Dynasty. It is very popular in northern China
and is one of the most representative form of folk arts. It is popular
in both the countryside and cities in northern China. It is especially
popular among older people. Crowds of people will go out into the street
in the evening and dance together in a line or a circle formation.
Some dancers dress up in red, green, or other colorful costumes, and
typically use a red silk ribbon around the waist. They will swing their
bodies to music played by drum, trumpet, and gong.
More people will join in as they see Yang Ge going on and dance along.
Some dancers use props like the waistdrum, dancing fan, fake donkey, or
litter. In different areas Yangge is performed in different styles, but
all types express happiness.
In the 1940s, the Chinese Communist Party adopted the dance as a means of rallying village support, and it is sometimes known as "reform yangge".
Folk Dancing facilitates personal and social development in a fun and engaging way, helps build self-confidence, improve co-ordination, balance, sense of rhythm etc.; it promotes leadership skills and teamwork; it opens our eyes to different cultures in the world. "Dance is music made visible"(George Balanchine); and those who play music together stay together. GBIFD members dance to build a healthy community!
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