In the shadow of the Potala Palace’s golden rooftops, a 79-year-old artist’s life work echoes through time. Tashi Tsering, a Cultural Inheritor and member of the palace’s performing troupe, has dedicated over seven decades to safeguarding Ga’er – the final surviving court dance tradition of Xizang’s cultural legacy.
Characterized by its regal arm movements and lyrical storytelling, Ga’er once flourished as a centerpiece of imperial celebrations. Today, Tsering races to document its intricate vocal melodies and poetic lyrics in handwritten manuscripts. "Every movement holds centuries of wisdom," he says, recalling how he learned the art form from monks in the 1950s. "If we lose this thread, we sever our connection to history."
UNESCO-recognized as intangible cultural heritage, Ga’er’s preservation aligns with broader efforts to protect Xizang’s artistic traditions. Local institutes now collaborate with Tsering to train younger performers, blending rigorous mentorship with digital archiving techniques.
For cultural researchers and travelers alike, Ga’er offers a living window into the region’s imperial past – a dance of resilience now finding new rhythm in modern China.
