He Guiying - Inheritor of Jino Folk Song and Dance in Jinuo Town, Jinghong 

? He Guiying (何桂英): Torchbearer of Jinuo Ethnic Song and Dance

He Guiying (何桂英), from Baduo Village (巴朵村), Jinuo Mountain Township (基诺山乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a highly respected artist of the Jinuo ethnic group (基诺族).

She is the national representative inheritor of the “Jinuo Grand Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞)”, a unique intangible cultural heritage, and has devoted decades to its preservation, innovation, and promotion.

? A Life of Inheritance

• Early Apprenticeship: At 16, He Guiying began studying with master Sha Che (沙车), a veteran Jinuo artist. She not only mastered traditional techniques but also broke the taboo that women could not perform the Grand Drum Dance.

• Breaking Barriers: Her dedication set a new precedent, allowing future generations of women to participate in this sacred performance.

? Innovation and Creativity

Traditionally, the Grand Drum Dance had only four core movements. Drawing inspiration from daily life—such as sowing seeds, transplanting rice seedlings, and harvesting grain—He Guiying creatively choreographed new sequences.

Today, the dance has evolved into its fifth version, richer in expressiveness and closer to the lived experiences of the Jinuo people.

? Promotion and Transmission

• Village Roots: She founded and led the Baduo Village Arts Troupe (巴朵村文艺队), training villagers during farming off-seasons and keeping the dance vibrant in community life.

• Into the Classroom: She actively promoted the “intangible heritage into schools” initiative, teaching children not only performance skills but also traditional values such as filial piety, kindness, and justice.

• Onto the Stage: From village squares to national competitions, He Guiying brought the Grand Drum Dance to larger audiences, earning multiple awards and raising its profile across China.

• Tourism Integration: With the growth of eco-tourism and rainforest trekking in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), she introduced the dance into cultural experiences for visitors, allowing travelers from all over the world to witness the spirit of Jinuo culture firsthand.

? A Multi-Talented Cultural Guardian

Beyond the Grand Drum Dance, He Guiying is also skilled in Jinuo folk songs, traditional weaving, embroidery, and deeply knowledgeable about Jinuo history, rituals, and customs.

Her versatility makes her a living encyclopedia of Jinuo heritage.

? Honors and Recognition

• 2018: Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritor (5th batch).

• Her troupe has won numerous awards in cultural competitions, solidifying her role as both performer and mentor.

? Cultural Significance of the Jinuo Grand Drum Dance

The Jinuo people believe that they “emerged from the drum,” making the Grand Drum Dance a sacred symbol of origin and identity.

For a community without a written language, this art form integrates dance, music, folklore, and collective memory, serving as a “living book” of Jinuo history.

Performed during major festivals like Temaoke Festival (特懋克节), the dance follows a complete ritual sequence and is both a spiritual and communal event.

? Conclusion

From a young girl dancing under the moonlight to a national cultural icon, He Guiying has dedicated over forty years to saving, innovating, and sharing the Jinuo Grand Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞).

Her journey reflects not only the resilience of an ancient tradition but also the power of cultural confidence and rural revitalization.

Through her, the sound of the Jinuo drum continues to echo—across villages, across China, and out into the world.