When Jiang Tiehong's 2024 performance of the Mongolian dance Benteng – a powerful equestrian art form symbolizing unstoppable momentum – went viral, it revealed more than artistic mastery. It showcased a four-decade journey of cultural preservation that continues to shape Asia's performing arts landscape in 2026.
First learning Benteng (meaning "horse galloping") as a student in the 1980s, Jiang has evolved from performer to revered teacher at Beijing Dance Academy. His students, many now professional dancers, describe his teaching philosophy as mirroring the dance's essence: "A horse doesn't look back. It runs – faster, harder, through wind and rain."
This year, Jiang's workshops have attracted international attention, particularly from cultural institutions in Mongolia and Central Asia seeking to preserve nomadic traditions. Academics note the dance's growing relevance as a metaphor for resilience in contemporary Asian societies.
For the Asian diaspora, Jiang's viral moment has become a touchstone for cultural connection. "When I see Master Jiang dancing," says Singapore-based choreographer Li Wei, "I hear the grasslands calling – it's our shared heritage in motion."
