Luo Jie- Inheritor of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Tibet

Luo Jie (罗杰) is a key figure in the preservation and transmission of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance (普堆巴宣舞), a traditional Tibetan dance from Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet (西藏). As the Representative Inheritor of this dance, he has dedicated his life to its revival, preservation, and promotion, ensuring that this unique form of Tibetan folk dance remains a vital part of Tibetan culture.

Personal Information

  • Name: Luo Jie (罗杰)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Birth Date: January 1945

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance (传统舞蹈)

  • Project Number: III-80 (普堆巴宣舞)

  • Region: Maizhokunggar County, Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区墨竹工卡县)

Background and Career

Luo Jie was born in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), located in Lhasa, Tibet. From an early age, he developed a deep passion for folk art and Tibetan traditional dance. In the early 1980s, he began collecting materials related to local folk literature, songs, and dance, including the lyrics and legends associated with Puduiba Xuanwu Dance. This marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Tibetan cultural heritage.

As part of his work, Luo Jie collaborated with other traditional artists such as Gongjue Peijie (贡觉培杰) to revisit the classics, gather historical information, and organize texts related to the dance’s lyrics and myths. His efforts contributed significantly to the revival and protection of this unique form of Tibetan dance.

Contributions to the Preservation of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance

Revival and Organization of the Dance

In 2005, Luo Jie took the initiative to organize and restore Puduiba Xuanwu Dance (普堆巴宣舞). This included coordinating with other local artists to revive the performance, collect historical narratives, and organize the singing lyrics and dance movements of this dance form.

Training the Next Generation

Luo Jie has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of dancers. Over the years, he has trained more than 40 young inheritors, ensuring that the dance tradition continues to thrive and pass down through the generations. His efforts in mentorship and training have secured the future of Puduiba Xuanwu Dance and helped maintain its cultural significance.

Archiving Cultural Materials

In addition to organizing performances and training, Luo Jie has also focused on documenting the history and myths associated with Puduiba Xuanwu Dance. This includes collecting and preserving oral traditions, song lyrics, and dance texts, which are crucial to understanding the origins and cultural importance of the dance.

Recognition and Impact

Luo Jie’s dedication to the Puduiba Xuanwu Dance has earned him significant recognition. In 2020, he was included in the Fourth Batch of National Representative Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China, specifically for his work with Puduiba Xuanwu Dance. This honor acknowledges his pivotal role in safeguarding this dance tradition for future generations.