Tibetan Reba Dance (Reba Dance of Dengqen County in Qamdo)

Reba Dance (热巴舞) is a unique and comprehensive form of art performed by Tibetan “Reba” artists. This traditional dance combines tambourine music, rap, song and dance, acrobatics, Qigong (Chinese breath exercise), and Reba play. Originating from Dengqen County (丁青县) in Qamdo (昌都), Tibet, Reba Dance has a deep connection with the Tibetan Bon religion and its ancient customs. It is performed by groups of traveling artists, typically families, and is a vibrant part of Tibetan culture.

Reba is deeply rooted in the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has connections to the ancient Bon religion (藏传佛教本教), which is considered the precursor to Tibetan Buddhism. The dance reflects ancient Zhangzhung Culture, religious traditions, and folk art, making it a valuable piece of Tibetan heritage with immense artistic and research significance.

History and Origin

Ancient Roots

The Reba Dance is believed to have been created by Milarepa (米拉日巴), the second patriarch of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, in the 11th century. According to legend, the dance originated in Khyungpo Dengqen (昌都地区), where Milarepa performed a dance on elephant skin as a form of worship. It is said that the people of Qamdo, in the region’s tropical climate, would kill elephants and spread their skins on the ground before dancing on them in reverence to the gods.

This dance form has evolved over centuries, drawing from both Buddhist practices and the Bon religion, particularly from the “witchcraft” and “Totem Dance” of ancient Tibet.

The Three Schools of Reba Dance

There are three major schools of Reba dance:

  1. Gacuo Reba (赛扎热巴), practiced in Sezha, which has a history of over 500 years.

  2. Wotuo Reba (沃托热巴), practiced in Jue’en, with a history of over 940 years.

  3. Dongluo Reba (东罗热巴), practiced in Sangduo, with a history of over 300 years.

The most renowned school is Wotuo Reba, which is noted for its superb and intricate movements, including pole climbing, rock-breaking, and knife twirling. These performances combine acrobatic skills with Qigong movements, making them highly dramatic and energetic.

Art Features

Dance Characteristics

Reba dance is known for its bold and unrestrained movements, and intricate postures. It is accompanied by drumbeats and cymbals, creating a rhythm that varies with the performance’s emotional intensity. The tambourine is an essential element of the performance, and the dancers (both male and female) spin, jump, and perform acrobatic movements in sync with the rhythmic drumbeats. The male dancers often perform larger, more daring moves, while the female dancers display graceful and fluid movements.

The dance has a set of 12 fixed programs, and each performance lasts about 5 hours. The structure includes odes to the sun, moon, nature, and Buddhas before moving into various sections like:

  • Ode to Heaven and Earth

  • The Drumbeat and Peace

  • The Battle between Master and Apprentice

  • The Heroic Defeats and Farewells

Cultural and Artistic Expression

The movements are inspired by ancient Tibetan symbols, such as the phoenix, eagle, and tiger, representing strength and beauty. The performances often reflect Tibetan values such as prosperity, harvest celebrations, and disaster prevention.

Dancers employ diverse techniques, such as:

  • Single-leg spins

  • Clockwise and counter-clockwise rolls

  • Acrobatic jumps and rolling movements

The complexity of these movements, along with their dynamic rhythms and emotional expressiveness, makes Reba Dance a performance art that is both highly technical and deeply artistic. The dancers’ attire, often adorned with colorful wool or cowhair braids, adds a visual flair to the dramatic movements.

Preservation and Inheritance

Traditional Dance and Adaptation

Historically, Reba Dance was performed by traveling artists, often family units of 4 to 20 people, who made a living through performance. These performances were passed down through generations, preserving the intricate movements, storytelling elements, and cultural significance. However, due to changing social conditions and modernization, the number of active Reba artists has declined.

To ensure the preservation of Reba Dance, efforts have been made by cultural workers to document and teach the dance to new generations. Additionally, modern adaptations of Reba Dance, including changes to performance skills and costumes, have allowed it to be better suited for stage performances.

In 2002, Dengqen County was officially named the “Town of Reba Art” by the Tibet Autonomous Region Government in recognition of its role as the birthplace and cultural hub of this ancient dance form.

Key Inheritors

Notable inheritors and performers of Reba Dance include:

  • Ga Niao

  • Sonam Chodron

  • Tenzin Chotang

These individuals have been instrumental in ensuring that the art form continues to thrive and evolve, taking it to both domestic and international stages.

Cultural Significance

The Spiritual Essence

Reba Dance is not just a performance; it embodies the Tibetan people’s connection to their spiritual beliefs and natural environment. The ritualistic aspect of the dance connects dancers to Buddhist and Bon practices, as well as to the broader Tibetan worldview that celebrates the harmony between humans and the cosmos.

Artistic and Social Impact

As a folk sport dance, Reba Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of body-building. The performances are highly energetic, with dancers demonstrating both strength and grace. The social function of Reba Dance is to celebrate community and honor spiritual traditions, making it an integral part of festivals, religious events, and public celebrations in Tibet and beyond.

Major Genres of Reba Dance

The three genres of Dengqen Reba are as follows:

  1. Wotuo Reba (沃托热巴): Known for its intricate movements, such as pole climbing and rock-breaking.

  2. Kangsha Reba (康沙热巴): Focuses on drum rhythms and includes dialogues, Xianzi dance, and Zhuo dance.

  3. Gacuo Reba (赛扎热巴): Combines Xianzi (a three-stringed instrument) with Reba, featuring graceful dancing and melodic performances.

These performances continue to be practiced and celebrated at festivals like the Dengqen Reba Art Festival, where the art form is passed on through family generations, ensuring that Reba Dance remains a vital part of Tibetan culture.