Zhasang- Inheritor of Guozi Dance in Qüxü County, Lhasa, Tibet

Zhasang (扎桑), a prominent figure in the world of Tibetan dance, is the representative inheritor of the Guozi Dance (廓孜), a unique cultural art form originating from Qüxü County (曲水县), located in Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet. Zhasang has dedicated his life to preserving and passing on the tradition of Guozi, particularly the Niu Pi Chuan Dance (牛皮船舞), a lively and meaningful folk dance that is an integral part of Tibetan cultural heritage.

Personal Information

  • Name: Zhasang (扎桑)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Birth Date: August 1937

  • Region: Qüxü County, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区曲水县)

  • Project Number: III-89

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance (传统舞蹈)

  • Project Name: Guozi Dance (廓孜)

Background and Career

Born and raised in Qüxü County (曲水县), Zhasang has had a lifelong connection with Guozi Dance, a distinctive Tibetan dance that originated in Junba Village (俊巴村), located at the confluence of the Lhasa River and the Yarlung Tsangpo River (雅鲁藏布江). Zhasang started performing the Niu Pi Chuan Dance (牛皮船舞) at an early age in his community, where he developed a deep understanding of the dance’s cultural and spiritual significance. He is widely recognized as the A-re (阿热), or lead dancer, of the Guozi Dance, and has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote this unique art form.

The Dance of the Boatmen: Guozi

The Guozi Dance is an entertainment dance performed by Tibetan boatmen and is a symbol of joy, celebration, and community. The dance is characterized by vigorous, energetic movements, mimicking the grace and strength of yaks (牦牛), a central part of Tibetan life. Its origins are tied to the traditional Chongzi Dance (仲孜), or yak dance, where the movements of the dance imitate the majestic and powerful actions of yaks.

The dance has a deep connection to the Tibetan agricultural and pastoral culture, combining elements of work and leisure. The boatmen of Junba Village perform the Guozi Dance to entertain themselves during their free time from the monotonous labor. The powerful, rhythmic movements of the dance reflect the tough yet simple lifestyle of the Tibetan people.

Dance Characteristics and Cultural Significance

  • Dance Movements: The dance moves in Guozi are robust and bold, with a strong focus on power and simplicity. It incorporates a blend of graceful steps and energetic jumps, reflecting the characteristics of the yak, a key animal in Tibetan culture. The dance also features intricate footwork and the rhythmic movements of the body, capturing the natural beauty and energy of the Tibetan highlands.

  • Cultural Context: The Guozi Dance is traditionally performed during major festivals like Shoton Festival (雪顿节) and Wangguo Festival (望果节), where the boatmen, equipped with their Niu Pi Chuan (牛皮船, leather boats), engage in this lively dance. The performance is both a celebration of the changing seasons and a tribute to the community’s resilience and strength.

Preservation and Legacy

Zhasang has played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting the Guozi Dance, especially the Niu Pi Chuan Dance, to younger generations. Under his guidance, this traditional art form has flourished, ensuring its continued existence. Zhasang has also founded a Niu Pi Chuan Dance performance troupe, which has helped showcase the dance on various cultural platforms, thus promoting Tibetan traditions and heritage.

Key Contributions and Achievements

  • Training and Mentorship: Zhasang has mentored numerous young performers in the Guozi Dance, passing down the intricate movements and meanings behind the dance. His efforts have contributed significantly to the protection of this cultural tradition.

  • Cultural Heritage Recognition: In June 2008, the Guozi Dance was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and Zhasang was honored as its representative inheritor. This recognition has helped bring broader attention to the dance and ensured its preservation.

  • Cultural Promotion: Zhasang’s dedication to the Guozi Dance has seen him take part in numerous performances, especially during Tibetan cultural festivals, thus promoting the dance to both local and international audiences.