Laba- Inheritor of Duixie Dance in Lhatse County, Shigatse, Tibet

Laba (拉巴), born in 1948, is the representative inheritor of Duixie Dance (堆谐), also known as Lhatse Duixie Dance (拉孜堆谐), a traditional Tibetan dance from Lhatse County (拉孜县) in Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet. Duixie Dance is a national-level intangible cultural heritage that has been officially recognized for its significance in Tibetan culture.

Historical Origins of Duixie Dance

Duixie Dance, often referred to as “song and dance from the western part of Tibet,” has roots that date back over 700 years to the Phagpa (八思巴) period. It was originally popular in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (雅鲁藏布江) basin, particularly in areas surrounding Lhatse, Ali (阿里), and Shigatse.

The dance is characterized by its use of the Zhamunian zither (扎木年琴) and other traditional instruments. The music is often performed in a circle, with dancers engaging in intricate footwork to the rhythm. The dance was traditionally performed in open fields, courtyards, and during festive occasions such as New Year celebrations and harvest festivals.

Duixie Dance: Key Features

Music and Dance Structure

Duixie Dance consists of two primary musical segments:

• Slow Song (降谐): A slow and lyrical segment that accompanies graceful dance movements.

• Fast Song (觉谐): A fast-paced segment featuring lively foot tapping and energetic movement.

These segments are often preceded and followed by instrumental interludes, such as preludes, interludes, and finale sequences. The rhythm of the foot stamping is essential to the dance, contributing to the joyous and festive atmosphere of the performance.

Dance Style and Regional Variations

The dance features two regional styles:

1. Southern Style: Represented by areas like Dingri, Saga, and Jilong, with a more simple and passionate performance style.

2. Northern Style: Represented by Lhatse, Sakya, and Angren, characterized by melodic and lively music with more elegant movements.

In the Northern style, particularly from Lhatse, the dance is known for its lyrical tunes and graceful, energetic movements. The dancers perform in a circle or row, and the footwork varies in speed and intensity depending on the song’s tempo.

Laba’s Contribution to Duixie Dance

Laba has played a central role in preserving and promoting Duixie Dance. With over 50 years of involvement, Laba has studied and performed Duixie Dance since his childhood. He formed an amateur farmers’ art troupe to teach and perform the dance, bringing it from Lhatse to the larger cities of Lhasa and even to Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

In 2008, Duixie Dance was officially included in China’s second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, with Laba recognized as a key figure in its preservation.

Efforts in Revitalization and Education

Starting in 2005, Laba took active steps to revitalize the performance of Duixie Dance. Despite his advancing age, he personally led efforts to teach and pass down the songs and dance movements of Duixie, ensuring that this traditional form of art would continue to thrive.

Social and Cultural Impact

Duixie Dance is not only an essential form of artistic expression, but it also plays a significant role in the cultural fabric of Tibet. It serves as a connection to Tibetan history, folklore, and spirituality, making it an important aspect of the Tibetan identity.

Young Performers and Continued Preservation

In recent years, the youth of Tibet have taken an active interest in Duixie Dance, and performances continue to be held at various cultural festivals and events. Notably, at the 8th Duixie Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference in Lhatse County in 2023, Gesar Droma, a young performer, showcased the continued relevance of this ancient tradition to modern audiences.

Legacy and Preservation Efforts

As the representative inheritor of Duixie Dance, Laba’s contributions to preserving the dance form have been monumental. His dedication to keeping Duixie Dance alive for future generations ensures that this important aspect of Tibetan intangible cultural heritage will continue to be celebrated and protected.

Despite challenges posed by modern influences and the fast pace of cultural change, the continued efforts by people like Laba to educate and perform the dance keep the tradition flourishing, guaranteeing that the spirit of Duixie Dance remains strong in the Tibetan community.