“One minute on stage takes ten years of practice off stage.” This ancient Chinese saying comes alive every day at Gaoping Secondary Vocational School in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. Here, students immerse themselves in the world of Shangdang Bangzi, also known as Shangdang Wooden Clapper Opera, embracing a tradition that has resonated through the ages.
Amid the echo of wooden clappers and the flow of traditional melodies, these young performers dedicate countless hours to mastering their craft. Somersaults, rolls, cartwheels, leaps, and spins—each movement is a testament to their unwavering passion and perseverance. Despite the physical rigors and the discipline required, it is their love for this traditional art that fuels their daily practice.
Shangdang Wooden Clapper Opera is the most prominent local traditional opera form in Jincheng and holds a special place among the four major wooden clapper operas in Shanxi Province. With a history spanning over 400 years, this art form was honored as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
The students’ commitment at Gaoping Secondary Vocational School symbolizes a bridge between the past and the future. By inheriting and revitalizing Shangdang Bangzi, they ensure that this cultural treasure continues to flourish. Their journey from passion to profession not only preserves an essential part of Chinese heritage but also inspires a new generation to appreciate and engage with traditional arts.
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From passion to profession: Inheriting Shangdang wooden clapper opera
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