3 Generations Carry Forward Folk Art Dance

Three generations of performers in Xiaogang village, Fengyang County, in east China's Anhui Province, have committed themselves to preserving the traditional Fengyang Huagu (flower drum) opera over the past several decades, according to a recent profile.

In the village, the birthplace of China's reform and opening-up policy in 1978, the Fengyang Huagu was associated with earning a meager living in hard times.

Nowadays, though, it has become a national intangible cultural heritage and is practiced for its own sake. 

The success of this performing art is attributed to the cultural development policy pursued by the State and the strong efforts of local enthusiasts. 

Deng Fanlan, 73, is a representative from the first generation of performers. In the old days, she could just about support herself through performing, but she suffered disdain from others most of the time. 

When the government introduced reform and opening-up, she benefited and managed to shake off poverty. 

In 2006, she was invited to perform at the first Fengyang Huagu Culture and Tourism Festival. Her performances earned her the high respect. 

Xiao Qinghong, 51, represents the second generation of performers. She contributes to her art by creating new pieces popular with people through the combination of song, dance and local features. 

In addition, she has long carried out studies and classified different examples. 

"I hope to do my bit for the development of Fengyang Huagu and show people both at home and abroad the prosperity of the nation and the happy life of people through this art form," Xiao says. 

Wu Xiaotong, 27, is from the third generation. Since her graduation as a music education major, she has served as a music teacher in Xiaogang School to promote the development of the art on campus. 

"People of my generation are lucky, because we have entered at a golden time of cultural development," Wu says. In recent years, the government has allocated funds each year for the development of this art form. 

Just like her seniors, Wu aspires to carry forward the artistic treasure of China in the new era with the beautiful dance and pleasant song that she knows so well. 

(Source: China Women's News / Translated and edited by Women of China)