Ancient dance thrives among young performers in Taizhou

Gunlianxiang performers rehearse a dance in Jiangyan, Taizhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

The rhythmic sound of folk music filled a community cultural center in Luotang subdistrict, Jiangyan district, Taizhou, as a group of middle school students practiced the intricate movements of Gunlianxiang, a traditional folk dance recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Holding brightly colored sticks fitted with small copper bells, the students guided the props across their fingertips, shoulders, waist and legs in a seamless series of flowing movements. The jingling bells rose and fell with the choreography, creating a lively accompaniment to the graceful performance.

During the summer vacation, students from Licai Experimental School have been refining every movement in preparation for their annual campus arts festival performance, said Zhang Jinjun, the sixth-generation inheritor of the tradition.

Originating more than 200 years ago, Gunlianxiang was created by farmers inspired by agricultural life. While similar dances can be found across Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, Jiangyan's Gunlianxiang has developed its own distinctive style. Unlike other versions that emphasize striking the sticks, the dance in Jiangyan is characterized by smooth, rolling movements, with the stick gliding closely along the performer's body in continuous motion.

The dance underwent a revival in the 1980s and 1990s, when fifth-generation inheritor Li Daogong introduced innovative choreography that blended traditional techniques with elements of modern dance. The creative adaptations brought new vitality to the centuries-old folk art and enabled Jiangyan's Gunlianxiang to perform on international stages.

To broaden public participation, the Jiangyan Cultural Center launched a public training program in 2009, attracting large numbers of adult learners. These community performers helped bring the dance back into the spotlight through appearances at major events, including the Qintong Boat Festival and the Jiangsu Provincial Games.

In recent years, the focus has shifted toward nurturing the next generation of inheritors. Zhang has devoted himself to youth training, selecting promising students and teaching the dance at Licai Experimental School for eight consecutive years. More than 200 students now receive training each year, ensuring that the centuries-old tradition continues to flourish through the hands of young people and fresh enthusiasm.