Puncog Yujie- Inheritor of Gar Dance in Ngari, Tibet
Puncog Yujie (平措玉杰), born in 1930, is a prominent figure in the preservation and inheritance of the Gar Dance (嘎尔), a traditional Tibetan performing art. As a representative inheritor of the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage projects, Puncog Yujie has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this art form, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Early Life and Career
Puncog Yujie, a Tibetan man, was born in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, in 1930. His lifelong passion for Tibetan cultural arts led him to dedicate his career to the preservation of traditional dance and music. In 1941, Puncog Yujie was selected to join a professional arts troupe, marking the beginning of his artistic journey.
By 1957, he became a member of the royal court music and dance troupe, where he refined his skills in Gar Dance (嘎尔舞), Nangma (囊玛), and Dui Xie (堆谐). His performances were known for their graceful movements and intricate choreography. Additionally, Puncog Yujie mastered a variety of traditional Tibetan musical instruments used in the Gar Dance, including the Yangqin (扬琴), Zhanyan (扎年), Dizi (笛子), Jinghu (京胡), Flute (长笛), and Suona (唢呐). His deep understanding of both the dance and the music provided him with a unique ability to blend these art forms seamlessly.
Contribution to the Preservation of Gar Dance
As a prominent inheritor of the Gar Dance, Puncog Yujie’s dedication to preserving this ancient dance form is evident in his lifelong work. The Gar Dance is a traditional Tibetan performance that is both a cultural and spiritual expression of the Tibetan people. The dance typically involves elaborate costumes, expressive hand gestures, and rhythmic footwork, often accompanied by live music.
Puncog Yujie’s role as a teacher and performer has been vital in transmitting the techniques, styles, and cultural significance of Gar Dance. His expertise has contributed to keeping the art alive through performances at important Tibetan events and celebrations, including ceremonies for the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. Over time, his position within the troupe evolved, transitioning from performing as a dancer (Gar Zhuba) to becoming a core member of the orchestra (Gar Ben), reflecting his growing mastery of both dance and music.
Key Achievements
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Selection to the Royal Court Arts Troupe: In 1951, Puncog Yujie was selected to join the former Tibetan Government’s court art troupe, where he further honed his skills in Gar Dance and traditional Tibetan music.
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Performance for Chen Yi: In 1957, when Chen Yi visited Lhasa, the court troupe performed Gar Dance as part of the welcome ceremony. This performance was a revival of a traditional piece that had been performed over a century earlier. The Gar Dance at the time was already a well-established form, though post-democratic reform, the dance has seen less development or significant changes in its structure.
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Cultural Impact: Puncog Yujie’s performances have been an integral part of Tibetan cultural celebrations. His dedication to the preservation of Gar Dance has made him a key figure in its ongoing tradition, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience this vital aspect of Tibetan culture.
Legacy
Puncog Yujie’s legacy as a master of the Gar Dance extends beyond his personal achievements. He is widely regarded as one of the most important cultural figures in Tibet for his work in preserving and promoting the traditional dance and music of the region. As a representative inheritor of the Gar Dance, his efforts have contributed to the recognition of this art form as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.
Through his lifelong dedication, Puncog Yujie has not only preserved Gar Dance but has also brought it into modern times, ensuring its relevance and cultural significance. His legacy continues to inspire younger generations of artists and performers in Tibet, cementing his role as a vital guardian of Tibetan culture.
