Why is it known as the "First Drum of the East"?
2023-05-25 09:31
Every year, around the Spring Festival, the air in Ansai district of Yan'an city, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, will vibrate with rumbling drums, and people will dance happily to the drumbeats. And this is Ansai Waist Drum Dance, a large-scale folk dance.
When encountering enemy attacks, drumming can transmit messages; when armies confront each other in battle, drumming can boost morale; and when victorious in battle, drumming can be used to celebrate the victory.
Over time, the waist drum dance gradually became a local folk dance to celebrate festivals. During the process of development, it has integrated various art forms, like dance, martial arts and folk songs.
The entire performance is powerful and dynamic, and fully demonstrates the bold, enthusiastic spirit of the local people.
In 2006, the Ankang Waist Drum was officially recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. The local drum team has been invited to many countries and regions around the world to introduce this dance art from the East to people worldwide.
