Luoxie Dance in Tingri County, Shigatse

The Luoxie Dance (洛谐舞) is a traditional dance from Tingri County (定日县), located in Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet Autonomous Region, and is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. This dance is a combination of singing, dancing, music, and instrumental performance, reflecting the daily life and production activities of the Tibetan people, including their pastoral and farming traditions and religious ceremonies.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage ID: III-87

  • Approved Date: June 7, 2008

  • Declared Area: Tibet Autonomous Region, Tingri County

Historical Origins

Origins of the Luoxie Dance

The Luoxie Dance originated in Tingri County (定日县), Shigatse (日喀则), and has a history of over 600 years. Historically, the form of the dance can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty (元朝), during the Luoding (洛定日) period. It was commonly referred to as the “rural circle dance.” Over time, this dance evolved into its present form, influenced by local traditions in Tingri, Lhazê (拉孜), and Angren (昂仁). The dance is also closely related to folk dance forms from these regions, which were collectively called “Dui Xie” (堆谐). Over the centuries, the Luoxie Dance has become a distinctive cultural symbol of Tingri.

A unique development in the Luoxie Dance was the creation of a new instrument—the Sanxian Hu (三弦胡). This is a three-stringed instrument resembling the Erhu (二胡), with a body made of iron wire and a horsehair bow. This instrument, combined with the traditional Zhanian Qin (扎念琴) and Sanxian (三弦琴), added a new layer of sound and color to the dance’s music.

Dance Features

Performance Style

The Luoxie Dance combines singing and dancing, with male performers playing instruments like the Zhanian Qin and Sanxian, while female performers dance, holding hands and performing synchronized steps. The choreography involves rapid running, spinning, and jumping, as well as graceful poses and rhythmic movements. The dance is structured around distinct beats, with the performers using their legs to create rhythmic stompings, while the upper body remains bent at a ninety-degree angle, with arms moving elegantly in the style known as the “Luodingri” (洛定日) dance.

  • Male Performers: Dance while playing the Sanxian or Zhanian Qin, incorporating spins and other dynamic movements.

  • Female Performers: Perform slower, steadier steps with graceful arm movements, creating an elegant and lively atmosphere.

Music Characteristics

The music in the Luoxie Dance is structured in three forms:

  1. A combination of slow songs and fast songs.

  2. Slow songs followed by fast songs.

  3. Fast songs performed as independent pieces.

The Luoxie Dance is known for its use of slow songs (散板), which is a rare occurrence in Chinese folk music. The slow songs have a free, chant-like quality, while the fast songs are energetic, with a regular rhythm and accompanied by instruments. The contrast between the slow and fast parts enhances the visual and musical impact of the performance.

Singing Method

The singing in Luoxie Dance is characterized by its direct, unadorned style. Performers sing in their natural voices, with a heavier throat sound and few embellishments. Group singing is a prominent feature of the performance, emphasizing the collective nature of the dance rather than individual expression.

Inheritance and Protection

Inheritance Value

The Luoxie Dance carries significant cultural and historical value, representing the richness of Tibetan folk dance and music. It showcases the influences of various cultures and is considered an important part of the local identity. Its preservation provides valuable insights into Tibetan cultural history and the evolution of traditional music and dance in Shigatse and the broader Tibet Autonomous Region.

Current Inheritance Status

The Luoxie Dance faces challenges due to modern cultural influences and the diminishing number of performers who are skilled in the traditional style. As a result, it is in urgent need of protection and revival.

Notable Inheritors

  • Ouzhu (欧珠), a male Tibetan artist born in Tingri County, is one of the prominent inheritors of the Luoxie Dance. He has been instrumental in passing on this tradition and was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritor.

Protection Measures

In November 2019, the Tingri County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (定日县文化和旅游局) was designated as the official protector of the Luoxie Dance. In October 2023, it was reaffirmed that the protection measures were effective, ensuring the dance’s continued preservation.

Social Impact

Key Cultural Events

  • In August 2018, the Luoxie Dance was performed during the 16th Mount Everest Cultural Tourism Festival in Shigatse.

  • On December 19, 2020, a cultural exchange performance was held in Luwan District (卢湾区), showcasing Tibetan and Han cultural unity, with the Luoxie Dance as one of the highlights.

Cultural Outreach

In November 2016, the Luoxie Dance was introduced to local schools as part of an educational program to promote traditional culture among younger generations. This effort helped integrate the dance into modern cultural activities, ensuring its continued relevance in contemporary society.