Traditional Tibetan folk dance glows with new vitality

Their performance lasted more than half an hour. Beads of sweat dotted Tashi's forehead, and he wiped them away with smile lines appearing in the outer corners of his eyes.

"I've been doing Xianzi Dance for decades, but this is the first time I've ever danced with so many people," he said. "Our traditional culture has made a comeback."

According to Changdren, deputy director of the county cultural bureau, Xianzi Dance is the pearl in the resplendent crown of art in Mangkam.

"There is a folk belief that Xianzi Dance brings happiness that never ends," said Changdren, noting that Xianzi Dance can be performed anywhere and the number of dancers does not matter. "Sometime people in Mangkam would dance all day long, passing on the folk art to younger generations."

The State Council listed Xianzi Dance as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

To preserve the precious tradition, folk artists in Mangkam have been teaching and performing Xianzi Dance in schools. The dance has also been adapted to gymnastic exercises in 30 primary and secondary schools in the county.

Several Xianzi Dance competitions have been held over the past few years, according to Changdren.

"We are expecting more talented dance producers and performers to improve the creativity and performing skills of Xianzi Dance, thus promoting tourism and our excellent Tibetan culture," Changdren said.