In Jilin, farmer's dance survives through adaptation

People in Wangqing county of Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture in Jilin province have been joining in the inheritance of the traditional farmer's dance — people such as Yin Rongxun, 27.

The farmer's dance is a representative art form favored by the Korean ethnic group in northeastern China. It is especially popular in the Korean areas of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces.

The dance was added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2009. It is characterized by the beat of tambourines and swinging of elephant caps. The movements of the tambourine players are varied and vigorous. They pose as horse riders and archers. Meanwhile the elephant cap swingers use their necks as axles just to swing the 12-meter-long tape tied to the caps, which move like wheels around the dancers and dazzle viewers.

Yin began to learn the dance around 10 years ago and is good at the movements, including the swinging of elephant caps. He was granted the title of county-level inheritor of the art.

"It is an art that represents the good qualities of our group — the ability to sing, dance, work hard and be hospitable," he said. "It also has strong vitality, appeal and cohesion."

Residents of Yanbian, from 3-year-old children to seniors in their 80s, spontaneously perform the dance during traditional festivals and family reunions.

The prefecture holds hundreds of varied art performances every year, and people have tried to integrate the traditional with the modern.

"We have adapted elements from diverse styles, such as Chinese style, rap and hip-hop, into the farmer's dance," Yin said. "Through innovation, the traditional dance has become more appealing."