Li Bing – “Shendeng” Dance Performer in Wenshan City, Wenshan

Li Bing, male, of the Yi ethnic group, was born in 1969 in [Yakege Village (丫科革村)], [Binglie Township (秉烈乡)], [Wenshan City (文山市)], [Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州)]. He is a renowned performer of the Shen Deng (Sacred Lantern) Dance in the local area. At the age of 11, he became an apprentice of [Li Kaihua (李开华)], a villager from his hometown, learning traditional musical instruments and the techniques of the Shen Deng Dance. Li Bing is not only highly skilled but also actively engaged in the transmission and promotion of the dance. He is a representative inheritor of the Shen Deng Dance, a prefecture-level intangible cultural heritage item.

Introduction to the Shen Deng Dance

The Shen Deng Dance is a ritual dance of the Yi ethnic subgroup known as the [Aza (阿扎)] people in [Yakege Village (丫科革村)], [Binglie Township (秉烈乡)], [Wenshan City (文山市)]. It boasts a long history and unique cultural significance. The dance is performed during festivals and traditional occasions. Dancers balance oil lamps on their heads and execute intricate movements such as backbending, lamp gripping, lamp rolling, forehead balancing, and lamp spinning. At times, dancers cluster together like a torch, while at other times, they scatter like stars. The Shen Deng Dance is not only a spiritual expression of the Yi people but also a vital part of local cultural identity.

Performance and Transmission

As a key inheritor of the Shen Deng Dance, Li Bing performs not only locally but also at numerous cultural events at the city and prefecture level, showcasing this unique art form to broader audiences. He is also deeply involved in intangible cultural heritage programs in schools, teaching students the skills of the Shen Deng Dance and nurturing the next generation of practitioners. Through such efforts, Li Bing hopes to raise awareness and appreciation for the dance and contribute to the preservation of this valuable cultural tradition.

Li Bing’s dedication to performance and transmission has earned him widespread recognition. He has won several awards at cultural events and has been featured in media reports. His work has not only protected the traditional art of the Shen Deng Dance but also significantly contributed to the cultural development of the region.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Li Bing and other artists, the ancient Shen Deng Dance of the Yi people continues to thrive in modern society, becoming a treasured gem in the cultural heritage of [Wenshan City (文山市)].

Special Movements of the Shen Deng Dance

The Shen Deng Dance is a unique ritual dance of the [Aza (阿扎)] Yi people, characterized by distinctive ethnic features and rich cultural meaning. Below are some of its signature movements:

Key Movements

  • Oil Lamp on Head: Dancers balance oil lamps on their heads while performing various moves such as backbending, lamp gripping with the mouth, rolling, forehead balancing, and spinning. These require high levels of balance and physical coordination.
  • Backbend with Lamp Grip: The dancer bends backward while gripping the oil lamp with their mouth, demonstrating extraordinary balance skills.
  • Rolling with the Lamp: The dancer places the lamp on the ground and rolls their body to move the lamp, creating a unique visual effect.
  • Spinning the Lamp: Holding the oil lamp, dancers spin rapidly, producing trails of light that add a mysterious and spectacular atmosphere.
  • Formation Changes: Performed mostly in groups, the Shen Deng Dance involves frequent changes in formation—circular, square, S-shaped, and more—creating intricate patterns aligned with the rhythm and storyline.

Performance Characteristics

  • Ritual Significance: As a ritual dance, the Shen Deng Dance is typically performed during festivals or important ceremonies to bless, ward off evil, or honor ancestors.
  • Use of Props: The oil lamp is the central prop, serving as both a visual focal point and a tool for showcasing dance techniques.
  • Musical Accompaniment: The performance is enhanced by traditional instruments such as gongs, drums, and suona (a Chinese horn), adding rhythm and emotional depth.
  • Strong Interaction: The dance often involves eye contact and interaction between performers and the audience, enhancing viewer engagement.

With its unique choreography and expressive form, the Shen Deng Dance reveals the deep cultural heritage and artistic creativity of the Yi people. It is not only a crucial component of Yi cultural life but also a precious element of China’s intangible cultural heritage

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