Yue Xiang, of the Dai ethnic group, was born in Ruili, south China’s Yunnan province in August 1949. He learned the Peacock Dance at an early age from Mao Xiang, a well-known master of the style. He used to spend a lot of time observing the living habits of peacocks and imitating their movements. He studied how peacocks walk, spread their wings, and pick up food. Today, Yue Xiang has six peacocks in his home in Ruili.

Known as “King of the Peacock Dance,” he has danced for 40 years and won many prizes from national competitions, such as the Silver Medal in the national competition of folk music and dance in 1986. He has also performed in Taiwan and Myanmar.

[Photos of Xinhua]

Yue Yue Xiang performs the Peacock Dance in Ruili, southwest China’s Yunnan province, July 3, 2007.

Yue Xiang feeds a peacock at his home in Ruili, southwest China’s Yunnan province, July 3, 2007.

Yue Xiang talks with his friends at his home in Ruili, southwest China’s Yunnan province, July 3, 2007.