Tibetan Changguo Zhuowu Dance in Shannan

The Changguo Zhuowu Dance (昌果卓舞) is a traditional Tibetan dance from the Shannan region (山南), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), which has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. The dance is commonly known as “Guozhuang” (锅庄) in Chinese, and “Guozhuo” in Tibetan, which translates to “Circle Dance.” This ancient and vibrant dance form has a magical charm that resonates with both the Tibetan people and visitors from various nations and ethnic groups. As one of the oldest forms of traditional dance in the world, the Changguo Zhuowu Dance is a central part of Tibetan cultural heritage.

In 2006, the Changguo Zhuowu Dance was officially added to the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Heritage Level: National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Project Number: III-39
Heritage Category: Traditional Dance
Declared Area: Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区)
Approved: 2006

Historical Origins

Legend has it that during the 8th century, King Trisong Detsen (赤松德赞), with the help of Buddhist masters such as Padmasambhava (莲花生), built Samye Monastery (桑耶寺) on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (雅鲁藏布江). However, the walls built by the craftsmen during the day were destroyed by demons every night. To confuse the evil spirits, Padmasambhava invited the Zhopa Seven Brothers (卓巴七兄弟) from the Dabu (达布) region, present-day Gacha (加查), to perform the Zhuowu Dance. This dance, which was believed to drive away the demons, became widespread throughout the Shannan region (山南) and continues to be performed today, indicating that the Changguo Zhuowu Dance has existed for over 1300 years.

Dance Features

Performance Style

The Changguo Zhuowu Dance has two main styles: one from Shannan (山南) and the other from Shigatse (日喀则). The Shannan style is characterized by two leading dancers who wear white flat masks. During the dance, the drum players, wearing long braids, beat their drums while rotating their bodies, creating a dramatic spectacle as the braids sweep across the ground. The drums used in the Shannan style are small and tied around the waist, allowing for larger, more dynamic movements.

Similar to other Tibetan dances, the Changguo Zhuowu Dance involves relaxing the body, with movements centered around the knees. The rhythm is fast-paced, with dancers frequently changing positions, sometimes in a matter of seconds. Despite the simplicity of the moves, the dance is challenging for beginners, requiring great concentration and physical coordination.

Dance Movements

The Changguo Zhuowu Dance consists of 18 segments, including:

Three-Step Drumbeat
Parrot Dance
Ground Cleansing Dance
Padmasambhava Rock Dance
Lion’s Leap
Tiger-Lion Combat
Circle of Tying
Sandalwood Fairy Dance
Cornerstone of Samye Wall
Three Hits on the Ground
Drumbeats
Crow Walking with Vajra Steps
King’s Ascension
Wealth Door
Subjects
Offering and Worship
Elephant Reclining
Nine-Step Drumbeat

The dance integrates rhythm, technique, and choreography, with highly coordinated and unified movements. It is mesmerizing and powerful, showcasing the spirit and strength of the Tibetan people.

Dance Music

The music accompanying the Changguo Zhuowu Dance is distinctive and follows a Guozhuang-style (锅庄) format, which includes four main parts: Yao, Zhuojin, Xiaduo, and Zhuocao. These tunes help enhance the festive atmosphere and the ceremonial nature of the dance, accompanying the dancers’ rapid movements and actions.

Dance Formation

The traditional formation of the Changguo Zhuowu Dance is circular, with dancers divided into leading performers (A-ru) and group dancers (Zhopa). The lead dancers, who number between 2 and 6, do not carry drums but help guide the group by maintaining the rhythm and changing movements. The group dancers, who perform in sync with the music, swing their long hair in infinity and circle shapes, creating a dramatic effect as the rhythm builds.

Major Branches

The Changguo Zhuowu Dance has three main branches across the region:

Agricultural Area Changguo (农区果卓)

The Changguo Dance in agricultural regions, especially in Chongduo (昌都), is performed during festivals, celebrations, and weddings. Men wear wide pants like the strong legs of an eagle, while women wear flowing robes, dancing in a circle, with men leading the singing. The movements are vigorous, with dancers energetically running and jumping. This dance expresses joy, vitality, and the celebration of life.

Pastoral Area Changguo (牧区果卓)

This style is widespread in the Tibetan Plateau (藏北羌塘草原), especially in the Qiangtang Prairie (羌塘草原) and snowy herding regions of Tibet. During festivals, particularly in summer, people perform the dance after long days of events like horse racing and yak dances. The movements include wide steps and knee bends, with men’s movements being larger and more expansive, while women’s movements are smaller, more graceful, yet equally expressive.

Temple Changguo (寺庙果卓)

The temple-style Changguo Dance is performed during religious festivals in monasteries. It is slow, formal, and filled with solemnity, creating a deeply ritualistic atmosphere. The costumes and music are more restrained, and the dance is performed according to specific sacred guidelines.

Inheritance and Protection

Value of Inheritance

The Changguo Zhuowu Dance stands as a unique gem in the Tibetan traditional dance culture and has significant value in world dance history. It is not only an outstanding representation of the Tibetan people’s vibrant culture, but also one of the oldest and most influential forms of ethnic sports in the world. The dance’s unique blend of choreography, musical rhythm, and its symbolic expressions align it with other ancient cultural traditions, such as Chinese and Greek dance.

Current State of Inheritance

While efforts are underway to protect the dance, its preservation in rural areas is challenging. There is an urgent need for effective protection to ensure the dance does not fade away.

Key Inheritors

Bainba Tsering (边巴次仁): Born in 1963 in Gongga (贡嘎), he is one of the representative inheritors of the Changguo Zhuowu Dance.
Solang (索朗): Born in 1974 in Gongga (贡嘎), he is another representative inheritor of the dance.

Protection Measures

Since 2005, Tibet has launched a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Program, investing over 40 million RMB to preserve and protect Tibetan heritage, including the Changguo Zhuowu Dance.

2023: The Gongga County Cultural Bureau (贡嘎县文化局) was recognized as the official protection unit for the dance, ensuring its continuation for future generations.

Social Impact

Key Performances

June 12, 2009: The Changguo Zhuowu Dance was showcased at the Minority Traditional Music and Dance Performance in Beijing (北京).
November 7, 2009: The Changguo Zhuowu Dance was performed in Taipei (台北) as part of the “National Style – Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance.”
October 8, 2011: The dance was included in the “Roots and Soul – China Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance” organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture (中国文化部).
July 15, 2014: The Changguo Zhuowu Dance was featured in the Third China International Photography Biennale (第三届中国国际摄影双年展) in Beijing.

Honors and Recognition

2006: The Changguo Zhuowu Dance was included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (国务院).