Personal Background
Li Guixing (李贵兴), male, of Han ethnicity, was born in 1945. He is a native of Xingwen Street Community (兴文街社区), Longquan Town (龙泉镇), Yimen County (易门县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). He is a renowned inheritor of the traditional Dragon Dance (龙舞) in the local area.
Learning and Inheritance
From a young age, Li Guixing was passionate about the arts and was skilled at playing the flute and harmonica. In 1982, he began learning the dragon dance from his younger brother Li Guiliang (李贵良). That same year, he joined the Longquan Town Dragon Dance Team (龙泉镇龙舞队) and quickly became one of its leading performers.
He masterfully performs twelve traditional dragon dance routines, including:
- Dragon Emerging from the Sea (龙出海)
- Dragon Playing in the Water (龙戏水)
- Dragon Embracing the Pillar (龙抱柱)
- Dragon Tail Chase (龙穿尾)
- Dragon Through the Belly (龙钻腹)
- Head and Tail Play (首尾戏)
- Dragon Seeking Treasure (龙寻宝)
- Teasing the Dragon Head (戏龙头)
- Dragon Duel (龙对戏)
- Dragon Turning Over (龙翻身)
- Returning to the Dragon Palace (回龙宫)
- Twin Dragons Chase (二龙追)
Influence and Contributions
Thanks to Li Guixing’s instruction and influence, since 1982 the dragon dance in Longquan Town (龙泉镇) has become one of the most beloved cultural performances among local residents. The number of dragon dance teams has grown to three, with a total of eight dragon lanterns (龙灯).
For over 20 years, the dragon dance performances have been a staple during the Spring Festival (春节) and the traditional “Er Yue Er Opera Fair” (二月二戏会). The teams are also frequently invited to perform at festivals across Yunnan Province (云南省).
Li Guixing, following in the footsteps of his brother Li Guiliang, is now the most comprehensive inheritor of dragon dance techniques in Longquan Town (龙泉镇), Yimen County (易门县). He has passed down his skills to two apprentices, Ai Wenfo (艾文佛) and Yang Tianrong (杨天荣). Under their joint leadership, the dragon dance team of Longquan Town has become even more dynamic and thriving.
Li Guixing’s accomplishments go beyond performance technique; he has made significant contributions to the inheritance and promotion of dragon dance culture, ensuring that this traditional art continues to flourish in Yimen County (易门县) and beyond.
Li Guixing’s Insights on Dragon Dance Culture
1. Cultural Heritage Value of the Dragon Dance
Li Guixing believes that the dragon dance is more than just a performance art—it is a vital part of cultural heritage. It embodies the Chinese people’s reverence for dragons and aspirations for a better life. Each movement and routine is rich in cultural symbolism, representing the spirit of the Chinese nation.
2. Social Function of the Dragon Dance
Li emphasizes the strong social function of the dragon dance. It enhances ethnic and community cohesion and serves as a medium for conveying positive energy and patriotic sentiments. For instance, during the Spring Festival and the “Er Yue Er Opera Fair” (二月二戏会), dragon dance performances are indispensable, drawing large crowds and wide participation.
3. Educational Function of the Dragon Dance
According to Li, the dragon dance has important educational value. Through learning and performing the dragon dance, more people—especially the younger generation—can understand and inherit this intangible cultural heritage. Li has mentored a new generation of dragon dancers, ensuring the continuity of the tradition.
4. Innovation and Development of the Dragon Dance
Li recognizes that innovation is key to the dragon dance’s survival in modern society. While preserving traditional techniques, he has introduced modern elements such as music and lighting effects to make performances more visually engaging and appealing.
5. Economic Value of the Dragon Dance
Li acknowledges the potential of dragon dance to boost local economic development through tourism. Dragon dance performances can attract tourists and stimulate growth in related industries such as dining, hospitality, and cultural tourism.
6. Symbolic Meaning of the Dragon Dance
Li believes that the symbolic significance of the dragon is a fundamental reason for the dragon dance’s enduring appeal. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes auspiciousness, strength, and prosperity. Dragon dance performances embody an uplifting spirit and resonate deeply with audiences.
Li Guixing’s insights reflect his deep understanding of dragon dance culture and his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting this invaluable intangible cultural heritage.
