Duixie Dance in Lhatse County, Shigatse

The Duixie Dance (拉孜堆谐), a traditional dance originating from Lhatse County (拉孜县) in Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet (西藏自治区), is an important aspect of Tibetan folk culture. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, it is a vibrant dance form accompanied by six-stringed instruments, particularly in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (雅鲁藏布江) basin and parts of the Ali (阿里) region. Over time, this unique dance evolved and spread across Tibet, becoming an essential part of Tibetan cultural celebrations.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage Number: III-82

  • Declared Area: Lhatse County, Shigatse, Tibet

  • Approved Date: June 7, 2008

Historical Origins

Etymology of “Duixie”

The term Duixie (堆谐) is a combination of two Tibetan words: “Du” meaning “upper”, “higher”, or “west”, and “Xie”, which means “song and dance”. The name refers to a dance form originating in the higher altitudes of the Yarlung Tsangpo River region, specifically in areas like Lhatse and Dingri (定日) along with parts of Ali. This dance was traditionally performed in open spaces such as fields, streets, courtyards, and Lhankas (traditional Tibetan gatherings).

Origins of Lhatse Duixie

The Lhatse Duixie Dance dates back to the Phagpa period (八思巴时期) and has been practiced for more than 700 years. It evolved into a comprehensive folk art combining singing, dancing, reciting, and instrumental playing. Originally, it was a rustic form of song and dance, but over time, it became more urbanized, with increasingly elaborate footwork and rhythmic patterns, particularly resembling tap dance in modern performances.

Dance Characteristics

Dance Form

The Duixie Dance is usually performed in circles, with men and women holding hands either in front or behind their bodies, a distinguishing feature of this form that separates it from other circle dances. The dance typically features simple, yet elegant movements that create a rhythmic and joyful atmosphere.

Regional Variations

There are two major styles of Duixie:

  • Southern Style: Represented by areas such as Dingri, Saga, and Jilong, with more earthy, energetic, and simple music and dance.

  • Northern Style: Centered in Lhatse, Sakya, and Angren, known for its more refined, melodic, and lively tunes and graceful movements.

The Lhatse-based Northern Style of Duixie is especially known for its lyrical melodies and flowing, graceful steps. Performances are typically held in informal settings with the dancers standing on wooden planks to produce rhythmic sounds as they stomp their feet.

Dance Structure

The basic structure of Duixie music consists of:

  • Slow Song (降谐): A melodic, graceful section where performers execute simple movements.

  • Fast Song (觉谐): A lively, energetic segment where the rhythm quickens and dancers showcase foot-tapping and syncopated steps.

  • Prelude, Interlude, and Finale: These instrumental sections are performed without singing and serve as transitions between the main song segments. The finale builds to a climactic and passionate conclusion.

The performance starts with the shout of “Laso!” (拉索), signaling the beginning of the music. The slow section gradually transitions into the faster, more upbeat rhythm, building energy and excitement as the performance progresses.

Inheritance and Protection

Cultural Value

Duixie is a highly significant form of Tibetan folk art that combines music, dance, and drama. It plays an irreplaceable role in the study of Tibetan history, culture, folklore, and primitive religions.

Current Status

With the rapid pace of modernization and the encroachment of modern culture, the survival of Lhatse Duixie has faced significant challenges. It urgently requires preservation and revitalization efforts to protect its unique cultural legacy for future generations.

Key Inheritor

One of the key inheritors of the Lhatse Duixie Dance is Laba (拉巴), born in July 1948, a renowned Tibetan artist and National Intangible Cultural Heritage representative. Laba has dedicated more than 50 years to the study and performance of Duixie and has founded a local art troupe to promote the dance in Lhasa and even Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

Protection Efforts

Efforts to preserve and protect the Duixie Dance include:

  • Cultural training programs and workshops for children and adults focused on Duixie dance and music.

  • In 2016, funding from the central government helped build preservation facilities for the dance in Lhatse, further ensuring its survival.

  • Lhatse’s Cultural Bureau continues to focus on safeguarding this unique art form, ensuring the survival of the dance through institutional support and community participation.

Social Influence

Important Events

In August 2023, Gelsang Chorma (格桑卓玛), a young actress from the Lhatse Art Troupe, performed the Duixie Dance at the Eighth Duixie Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference in Lhatse County, highlighting the continued relevance and popularity of this traditional performance.

Honors and Recognition

  • In 2008, Lhatse Duixie was officially recognized as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage and was listed in the Second Batch of Cultural Heritage Projects.

  • Lhatse County has also been awarded recognition for its efforts to preserve Duixie as an important local cultural treasure.