Nima- Inheritor of Jiuhe Zhuowu Dance in Qonggyai County, Shannan, Tibet

Nima is the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor of Zhuowu Dance (卓舞) in Qonggyai County (琼结县), Shannan (山南), Tibet. He has been recognized for his dedication to preserving and promoting this traditional Tibetan dance. Nima’s contribution to the art was officially acknowledged when he was honored as one of the 2021 China Intangible Cultural Heritage Figures of the Year, a prestigious title celebrating his efforts to safeguard and pass down the Jiuhe Zhuowu Dance (琼结久河卓舞).

Inheritor Background

  • Name: Nima (尼玛)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Birthdate: May 1945

  • Intangible Cultural Heritage Category: Traditional Dance (传统舞蹈)

  • Project Number: III-39

  • Region: Tibet Autonomous Region, Qonggyai County (西藏自治区琼结县)

Nima’s Contribution to Zhuowu Dance

Nima was born in Qonggyai County, Shannan in Tibet. Under the guidance of his father and other local folk artists like Losang (洛桑), Nima learned the intricate movements and history of the Jiuhe Zhuowu Dance. He became a skilled performer and coach, dedicated to preserving the art form for future generations. His deep understanding of the dance’s history and artistic features allowed him to actively participate in and teach this unique form of Tibetan dance.

In addition to performing, Nima also took on the responsibility of organizing Zhuowu Dance performances in local villages during traditional holidays and off-season periods. His efforts have enriched and invigorated grassroots cultural stages across Tibet.

Notable Achievements and Honors

Nima’s contributions to the Jiuhe Zhuowu Dance have been widely recognized. Some of his most significant accomplishments include:

  • In 1987, Nima led his dance troupe to participate in the Shoton Festival (雪顿节) in Lhasa (拉萨), where they performed the Zhuowu Dance to a captivated audience.

  • In 2009, Nima’s troupe performed in Beijing (北京) during the CCTV Dance Competition and later traveled to Taiwan (台湾) for the Cross-Strait Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance Exhibition.

  • In 2021, Nima was honored as one of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Figures of the Year, in recognition of his dedication to the preservation of Tibetan cultural traditions.

The Art of Zhuowu Dance

The Zhuowu Dance (卓舞) is an important part of the cultural heritage of Qonggyai County and Shannan. Known for its graceful movements and vibrant performances, it is a traditional Tibetan dance that plays a significant role in local rituals and celebrations. Jiuhe Zhuowu Dance is a unique variation of this traditional dance, originating from the Jiuhe area of Qonggyai County.

The dance is performed during special occasions, especially during Tibetan festivals and ceremonies, where it is considered to bring joy and blessings to the community. The Zhuowu Dance combines storytelling through intricate movements and expressions, capturing the spiritual and cultural essence of Tibet.

Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage

Nima’s ongoing efforts to promote and teach the Zhuowu Dance are vital to its continued preservation. Through his role as a teacher and mentor, he has trained numerous young performers, ensuring that this ancient art form is passed on to future generations. His dedication to the dance, as well as his leadership in organizing performances, has made him an influential figure in the Tibetan cultural community.

By leading the Zhuowu Dance troupe on national and international stages, Nima has raised awareness of this unique dance style and contributed to its recognition as an important part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.