Ciwang Danzeng- Inheritor of Tubujia Xieqin Dance in Namling County, Shigatse, Tibet
Ciwang Danzeng (次旺丹增), born in February 1938 in Namling County, Shigatse, Tibet, is a distinguished inheritor of the Tubujia Xieqin Dance (南木林土布加谐钦), an important part of Tibet’s cultural heritage. As the representative inheritor of this dance form, Ciwang Danzeng has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the art. His contribution to Tibetan dance and culture is invaluable, and he is recognized as an essential figure in the transmission of this unique and ancient tradition.
Early Life and Career
Ciwang Danzeng, a member of the Tibetan ethnic group, grew up in the Tibetan region of Namling County, located in the Shigatse area of Tibet Autonomous Region. His deep connection to the region and its cultural traditions shaped his commitment to the preservation of Tibetan performing arts, particularly the Xieqin Dance.
He is renowned for his profound knowledge of the dance’s performance structure, including its forms, melodies, hand gestures, rhythms, and tempos. The dance is distinct for its rich Tibetan characteristics and its combination of classical literary poetry and folk songs. Ciwang Danzeng’s mastery of these aspects has ensured that the Tubujia Xieqin Dance continues to be passed down through generations.
The Tubujia Xieqin Dance
The Tubujia Xieqin Dance is a representative dance form from the Namling County region and is an important component of Tibet’s cultural heritage. The dance incorporates both graceful movements and intricate rituals, reflecting the Tibetan people’s reverence for their history, spirituality, and natural environment.
Key Features:
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Performance Structure: The dance follows a structured sequence of steps, including various hand gestures and rhythmic patterns that symbolize Tibetan cosmology and traditional beliefs.
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Music and Lyrics: The lyrics of the dance encompass both classical Tibetan poetry and folk songs, which tell stories of Tibetan history, legends, and spirituality. The accompanying music is performed using traditional Tibetan instruments, contributing to the sacred and celebratory nature of the performance.
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Cultural Significance: The Tubujia Xieqin Dance is not only an artistic expression but also a cultural ritual that holds deep religious and community significance.
Cultural Contributions
Ciwang Danzeng has played a pivotal role in preserving and safeguarding the Tubujia Xieqin Dance. Since 1983, he has performed this dance annually on the 10th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (藏历6月10日) in Chongxi Village (冲西村), located in Tubujia Township (土布加乡), the birthplace of the Fifth Panchen Lama (五世班禅). This event has become an important cultural tradition in Tibet, drawing both locals and visitors who wish to experience the beauty of Tibetan culture.
Ciwang Danzeng’s leadership in preserving the dance has been instrumental in ensuring its survival. He has meticulously recorded the stories and teachings of elder artists, compiling these into written materials that form a comprehensive archive of the dance’s history and techniques. The dance has now been passed down for over 150 years, and it consists of 25 pieces, which require two to three days to perform in their entirety.
His efforts to safeguard the dance have been recognized by the Tibet Autonomous Region, and he was included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage protectors. His work has been documented in audiovisual materials and books, which have been archived in the intangible cultural heritage database.
Notable Performances
Ciwang Danzeng’s performances have been held at significant events, such as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, where he showcased the dance during important ceremonies and celebrations. His performances are not only an expression of Tibetan culture but also a celebration of Tibetan identity and heritage.
In addition to these major events, Ciwang Danzeng has performed the Tubujia Xieqin Dance during various regional festivals and in local towns across Tibet, promoting cultural exchange and deepening understanding of Tibetan arts.
