China National Ethnic Song and Dance
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The China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble is the only performing art troupe of the ethnic minorities at the national level.Each of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups possesses its own vibrant and unique arts traditions. It was founded in September 1952 by the late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The Ensemble aims at preserving, promoting and developing the minority ethnic arts and culture, and deepening friendships with people across the world through cultural exchanges.
Based in Beijing, the ensemble started with members traveling to the remote and often mountainous or prairie areas in south, west and north China to look for the best of the ethnic minority dancers and musicians and collect their songs and dances to preserve the original flavor of traditional folk art while reflecting the lifestyle of minorities. The founders believed the ensemble could only develop when it had its roots in the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the ethnic minorities in China.
The Ensemble currently has over 300 actors, actress and staff from 36 ethnic groups including Mongolian, Hui, Zhuang, Manchu, Tibetan, Yi, Korean, and Han. Over the past 50 years, the Ensemble has nurtured and gathered several generations of talented and resourceful singers, dancers, and performers as well as composers, songwriters, playwrights and directors. As early as in the 1950s, it had already among its ranks such nationally well-known artists as Wu Xiaobang, Jia Zhouguang and Hu Songhua. The ensemble has now famous artists like Jiang Dawei, De Dema, Yang Liping and Teng Geer.
Since its conception, the group has become the most renowned performing arts ensemble in China, playing to sold-out crowds around the world. All their performances are full of fashion and fiery passion. To date, the ensemble has performed in more than 100 countries and regions across the world and won high acclaim because of its strong ethnic color and outstanding artistic style. Annually, the ensemble gives more than 100 performances in China and has the rare distinction of selling out every performance. Some of its performances, such as The Lotus Dance, and The Peacock Dance, have won nine Gold Medals, nine Silver Medals, and five Bronze Medals at international competitions.
In their 2005 USA grand tour, the ensemble’s 42 exquisite artists from 34 different ethnic groups, (including performers from Tibet, Mongolia, Uyghur, Korea, Manchur, Tujia, Zhuang), provide Asian culture enthusiasts with opportunity of lifetime, a chance to experience the beautiful songs and dances of Chinese minority groups.
External links
- [China National Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble]
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