Nangma Dance in Lhasa

The Nangma Dance (拉萨囊玛) is a beloved traditional Tibetan dance in the Lhasa (拉萨) region of Tibet (西藏自治区). This dance has a rich history, spanning over a thousand years, and is widely regarded as one of the most important forms of folk art in Tibet. Known for its graceful movements and simple yet captivating melodies, the Nangma dance expresses the beauty of nature, reverence for deities, and longing for love. It has been recognized as one of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage items of China since June 7, 2008, and is listed under project number Ⅲ-81.

The dance originated in the Ali region (阿里地区) of Tibet and spread to Lhasa, Shigatse (日喀则), Jiangzi (江孜), and other areas within Tibet. The Nangma dance is performed indoors, often as a social gathering or cultural celebration.

  • Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage Number: III-81

  • Declared Area: Lhasa, Tibet

  • Approved Date: June 7, 2008

Historical Origins

The origins of the Nangma Dance can be traced to several historical periods:

  1. Originating in Ali: The dance first appeared among local herders during the reign of the Ali Dynasty (阿里王朝). Over time, it spread across the Ali region and beyond. In the early 17th century, Gyalwa Karmapa, the second head of the Karma Kagyu sect, and Sangye Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama, played pivotal roles in introducing this folk dance to Lhasa through royal and religious ceremonies.

  2. Formation in the 18th Century: The dance began to take shape in its current form during the reign of the Eighth Dalai Lama, Jampa Gyatso (江白嘉措). This era saw the formation of an organized folk music group known as “Nangma Jidu” (囊玛吉度), which was comprised of artists from Tibet, China, and Kashmir. By the late 18th century, the dance had become established as an art form in Lhasa.

  3. Flourishing in the 17th Century: The Nangma Dance flourished during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (阿旺罗桑嘉措), as Tibetan society became more stable and prosperous. The fusion of ancient songs and dances from Ali with influences from Han and Mongol musical traditions led to the development of Nangma as a widely performed folk art.

Dance Characteristics

Dance Movements

The Nangma Dance is known for its elegant and soaring movements. The basic steps include:

  • Retreating and advancing steps

  • Two-step stomp

  • Leg lifting steps

  • Continuous tapping steps

  • Hand swinging (front and back)

  • Saluting gestures

A unique and memorable feature of the performance is the bowl-balancing dance, where performers balance a bowl filled with barley wine on their heads during the peak of the performance.

Dance Process

Typically performed by female dancers, the Nangma Dance often features male musicians who provide instrumental accompaniment. During the performance:

  • The band sits cross-legged on one side while the dancers stand at the center of the stage.

  • A wooden board is placed beneath the feet of each dancer to create rhythmic sounds as they move.

  • The dance is performed primarily in one spot, with the dancers tapping out rhythms to the beat of the music. The dance creates a sense of freedom and lightness, with fluid steps and hand movements.

Music

The music for Nangma has evolved over time, enriched by generations of Nangma Jidu (囊玛吉度) artists. The Nangma musical structure typically consists of:

  • Prelude: Performed by the band, this is a slow introductory piece that prepares the listener for the dance. Known as “Guejo” (果觉), it is a fixed pattern that is used across nearly all Nangma pieces.

  • Jiangxie: A slow, lyrical section of singing, often without dancing, representing the core of the performance.

  • Qiu Xie: A lively, fast-paced dance section, which contrasts sharply with the slow section and is characterized by quick footwork.

  • Finale: A light, non-fixed concluding piece that wraps up the performance.

This structured, progressive musical pattern distinguishes Nangma from other Tibetan musical forms like Duoxie (堆谐) or Kangle (康乐).

Inheritance and Protection

Inheritance Value

Nangma is one of the highest forms of integrated song, dance, and music in Tibetan folk culture. Its unique instrumental compositions, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical themes make it a treasure of Tibetan musical and cultural heritage.

Current Inheritance Status

The Nangma Dance is still highly regarded in Lhasa’s cultural life, both in local celebrations and modern professional performances. However, with the passage of time, there has been a growing concern about the preservation of the tradition, as the number of skilled dancers and musicians has declined.

Key Inheritor

Lobzang Quzhen (洛布曲珍), a Tibetan woman born in 1935 in Lhasa, is the representative inheritor of the Nangma Dance. She was recognized as a key figure in preserving the dance as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Protection Measures

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to preserve and promote Nangma:

  • The Tibet University of Traditional Chinese Medicine organized non-material heritage promotion activities, including free training courses for young dancers and musicians.

  • In 2016, the Chinese Central Government allocated 12 million RMB for the construction of preservation and exhibition facilities for Nangma in Lhasa.

  • The Nangma project was recognized as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2019.

Social Influence

Important Exhibitions

In July 2014, the Nangma group performed its representative piece, “Ama Le Huo” (阿玛嘞火), during an exhibition in Lhasa’s Chengguan District (城关区).

Honors and Recognition

  • In 2009, the Nangma performance by the Nangre Folk Art Group was added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list and designated as the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Heritage Project.

  • In 2008 and 2015, the group won several national awards, including recognition from the Ministry of Culture and the Central Propaganda Department.